Computer-supported Adaptive Management of Problem-based Learning

Abstract

We propose an approach to a computer-supported adaptive management of problem-based learning (PBL) aimed at development of the higher-order thinking (HOT) skills in students. PBL is represented by the three-stage PBL process favoring adaptive management of intensive development of HOT skills in the students. The determined order of developing the HOT skills and solving the instructional problems is set. Adaptability of the management is provided by the dynamic assessments of the separate HOT skills, skill aggregates, one-skilled and multi-skilled instructional problems and personalized choice of instructional problems of suitable complexity for the students on the basis of the intermediate results of PBL. The learning results are evaluated by the coefficient of the HOT skill development. Adaptive management of the HOT skills development is supported by an adaptive management tool (AMT). Interactions an instructor and students with AMT are described.

Keywords: Problem-Based Learning, Higher-Order thinking, Adaptive Management, Computer-support