Faculty Attend New Problem-Based Learning Workshops at MTSU

            At Middle Tennessee State University, the College of Education is partnering with the Learning, Teaching, and Innovative Technology Center (LT&ITC) to offer university faculty members in all disciplines a chance to explore problem-based learning (PBL) applications in their classes. PBL is a selected focal area for Center activities during the 2010-2011 academic year and will use 3 major types of activities during the year to increase use of PBL on campus. The effort is being led by Dr. Terry Goodin from the Department of Educational Leadership.

            During the fall semester, Dr. Goodin will be conducting three monthly sessions in the Center’s “First Tuesday” series. These sessions are designed to provide an introduction to PBL and assist faculty in developing content specific PBL cases to implement in classes. The first of these sessions was held September 14, 2010, with 32 participants from across the campus. This session focused on defining PBL, developing PBL cases and highlighting potential applications. Examples from Dr. Goodin’s work with two departments (Music and Educational Leadership) this past spring were discussed. The next two sessions will assist participating faculty members in designing PBL cases for their classes.

            In the second activity strand for the year, Dr. Goodin, in partnership with the LT&ITC and the Provost’s Office, will be facilitating a PBL Faculty Learning Community. Participants in the learning community will meet throughout the year for an intensive study of problem-based learning. Each faculty member will develop a PBL case for implementation in his/her class. The group will identify additional products to be developed as the year progresses. Eight to ten faculty members are currently being selected and will begin meeting in November. Discussions are under way to form another PBL learning community that will involve MTSU faculty and school partners.

            Each year, the LT&ITC brings a nationally recognized speaker to campus in the spring to address the campus community and other interested individuals on a topical issue. This year, the speaker will be selected to focus on the PBL theme and will be on campus in late February or early March for an evening presentation and  a one day workshop. More information on this event will be distributed later.

            Given the energy present during Dr. Goodin’s first session in the “First Tuesday” series, we are looking forward to an exciting year in the development of PBL on campus and welcome the opportunity to work closely with our colleagues across the state on this important component of Ready2Teach.