Using a virtual learning environment for problem-based learning adoption: A case study at a high school in India

Problem Based Learning approach (PBL) is an instructive constructivist method which promotes, as its main feature, the use of real life problems to initiate and motivate the comprehension of new concepts, stimulating the abilities and actions that are needed for the solutions of such problems. PBL is strongly fundamented in well defined principles. Thus, it is fundamentally important that teachers and students implement PBL in conformity to its principles. Once these principles are addressed, PBL brings a collaborative and interactive learning process between all participants. On the other hand, many teachers and students implement PBL without the necessary theoretical and practical base for the educational changes and appropriate technology resource support, putting PBL's quality and authenticity at risk, making it less efficient. In the attempt to overcome these challenges, this paper presents the usage of a virtual learning environment called PBL-Coach, which promoted technological support to an array of actions based in the principles and characteristics originated from learning theories about PBL in a year 8 class of Physics at Tara International School, in Raison, Himachal Pradesh, India, with the objective of helping teachers and students in the implementation of an authentic learning process with useful and relevant technological support. The implementation of PBL at Tara International School brought satisfactory results, reflected in the students' high level of learning, which was demonstrated in the 360 degrees evaluation and in que quality of the solutions for the problem. This experience was also inspiring for other teachers and students that became involved with the methodology. Since this was a short term learning experience implemented for children, only a full 3-week PDCA cycle was executed, along with metrics such the students' performance and understanding, the curriculum exploring and teamwork, problem resolution, presentation and 360 degree evaluation.