Problem-Based Learning in Introductory American Politics Classes

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered learning model used heavily in the natural sciences. By supplying students with contextualized problems and stopping short of handing them the tools to solve the problems, instructors take on the role of facilitator rather than expert. Use of PBL in political science, and more generally the social sciences, has been limited, while research on the effectiveness of PBL on student learning in political science has been even scarcer. The authors explore the design and implementation of PBL exercises in an introductory American Politics and Government class. A range of topics are discussed including problem design, overcoming instructor and student reluctance, content coverage compared to a traditional survey course model, and PBL as a tool to improve information literacy. Assessment of the use of PBL is provided through measures of student satisfaction and learning outcomes. The results suggest that PBL should be considered as a viable pedagogical tool in political science.

Keywords:

• active learning
• American politics
• problem-based learning

Notes

Note: Significant difference of means at the: ***.01 level, **.05 level, *.10 level.

Note: Figures represent the percentage of papers where the average assessment was “Satisfactory” or better.

Over several years the authors (the course's professor and the faculty librarian liaison to political science) had collaborated on matters of information literacy related to the course assignments.

Since we don't know who will be President in January, your group should pick one of the two major candidates and use his record as a base to write the speech copy.