Problem Based Learning (PBL) is an educational method that engages students in inquiry-based real world problem solving to better prepare science, technology, engineering and mathematics students for higher education and the workplace. In this session, participants will learn how the New England Board of Higher Education's industry-based "Problem-Based Learning Challenges" are being incorporated into STEM courses in vocational and comprehensive high schools across the country to enhance student's content knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to work in teams. Participating instructors and administrators will be introduced to the online multimedia "PBL Challenges" (case studies) in the fields of sustainable technologies, optics and photonics field-tested by high school and college STEM instructors across the country. Participants will learn from experienced PBL instructors how to implement the challenges and assess both students teams and individuals engaged in problem based learning and will receive a complete package of PBL instructional materials to take back to the classroom for immediate use. Additionally, participants will learn how to apply to participate in NEBHE's newest PBL project, the Advanced Manufacturing Problem Based Learning (PHL) project.

Keynote speaker: Dr. Williard Daggett