Description of a Web-Driven, Problem-Based Learning Environment and Study of the Efficacy of Implementation in Educational Leader Preparation

A Systematic Review of Research on the Use of Problem-Based Learning in the Preparation and Development of School Leaders

“…Consistent with the R&D methodology, the EdD dissertations tended to address “project goals” rather than formal research questions aimed at understanding the use of PBL in preparing school leaders. Thus, we found that only 11 of the 73 sources included in the review were structured as formal empirical investigations of the use of PBL in the preparation of school leaders (i.e., Barbour, 2006; Copland, 2000; Engvig, 1997; Griswold, 2006; Limerick, Clarke, & Daws, 1997; Mayer, Musser, & Remidez, 2001; Ng, 2001; Pajak, Tanner, Rees, & Holmes, 1995; Walker et al, 1996). These features of the literature placed constraints on our subsequent methods of review.…”

“…Although the Bridges and Hallinger (1995) model of PBL predominated in this portion of the literature, authors also described attempts to experiment with hybrid models. This was especially evident in efforts to leverage PBL with learning technology (e.g., Hallinger, 2005;Mann, Reardon, Becker, Shakeshaft, & Bacon, 2011;Mayer et al, 2001), to adapt PBL for use in non-Western cultural contexts (e.g., Siamoo, 2013;Tang, 2015;Walker et al, 1996), and to modify PBL methods for use in professional development (e.g., Chompoowong, 1998;Cranston, 2002Cranston, , 2008Ford et al, 1997;Mascitti, Tramonti, & Feituri, 2011).…”

“…In total, 10 sources explicitly examined how PBL could be blended with various forms of learning technology. These included computer simulation (Hallinger & Kantamara, 2001;Hallinger & McCary, 1990;Mann et al, 2011;Ng, 2001;Showanasai et al, 2013;Tang, 2015), delivery of PBL in online web-based environments (Cranston, 2002;Mann et al, 2011;Mascitti et al, 2011;Mayer et al, 2001;Tang, 2015), and exploration of video-enhanced presentation of PBL problems (Hallinger, 2005;Mann et al, 2011;Mayer et al, 2001). Bransford (1993) offered a compelling case for how presentation of "the problem" in a PBL project can be enhanced through the use of video.…”

“…This type of "pattern recognition" distinguishes novice problem solvers from experts (Leithwood & Stager, 1989) and can be enhanced when PBL is blended with video presentation of the problem scenario (Bransford, 1993). Both Mann et al (2011) and Mayer et al (2001) used PBL as a pedagogical framework for their development of "immersive online environments." Mann and colleagues describe the learning environment as a "simulated or virtual school."…”

“…(Mann et al, 2010, p. 284) Other scholars employing problem-based computer simulations have reported similarly positive experiences (Hallinger & Kantamara, 2001;Hallinger & McCary, 1990;Ng, 2001;Showanasai et al, 2013;Tang, 2015). Mixed methods data indicate high levels of learner engagement, a strong perception of learning that is connected to practice, and enhanced capacity for developing higher order thinking among learners through the interactive capacities offered by simulations (e.g., Hallinger et al, 2010;Hallinger & Kantamara, 2001;Hallinger & Lu, 2011a, 2011bMayer et al, 2001;Ng, 2001;Tang, 2015). Ng's (2001) research offers a particularly interesting offshoot within this line of research and practice.…”