Problem-Based Learning Concentration

Our Problem-Based Learning concentration uses the highly regarded Critical Skills Program model. Begun at Antioch University New England twenty-five years ago, the Critical Skills program offers educators a set of powerful learning experiences in support of classroom and school change initiatives. Through the model of the Critical Skills Classroom, we help you to develop a cohesive approach to address many of the challenges faced by educators today: aligning curricula with state and district learning frameworks; designing real-world, problem-based learning experiences; shaping safe, collaborative classroom and school cultures; integrating critical skill development with content learning; implementing competency-based assessment practices; and achieving substantive and compelling learning for students.

Our program faculty and staff are experienced master teachers and leaders who have significant experience and success implementing this Critical Skills Classroom model and have completed advanced Critical Skills and leadership training. The Critical Skills Classroom is a comprehensive model that creatively and effectively integrates four powerful teaching methodologies into coherent strategies such as; collaborative learning, experiential learning, problem-based learning, standards-driven or competency-based learning.

Concentration Goals

Graduates of our Problem-Based Learning (PBL) program concentration featuring Critical Skills are able to:

Design powerful, real-world, problem-based learning experiences that target student acquisition of essential knowledge, critical skills and fundamental dispositions.
Create strong, safe, collaborative classroom communities built on the principles of sustainability, inclusion and equity.
Integrate, visibly and intentionally, critical skill development with content learning. These skills include: problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, creative thinking, organization, communication, collaboration, leadership, self-direction, curiosity and ownership in learning.
Engineer and implement comprehensive competencybased, authentic assessment practices, both formative and summative, to inform learning and teaching.

Program Delivery

Start in January or May
Five-semester, 33-credit degree program
One or two weeks of face-to-face core and electives courses on campus at AUNE for two summers
Five online classes with a focus on Problem-Based Learning
Three semesters of practicum work at your school or work place
All classes are 3 credits

Course Sequence for January Start

Spring
Building Strong Classroom Learning Communities (online)
Curriculum Design Practicum

Summer
Teacher Facilitation in a PBL Classroom (online)
Developing Mind (face-to-face)
Critical Skills Level I Institute(face-to-face) Recommended Elective

Fall
Assessment in a PBL Classroom—A Focus
on Learning (online)
Child/Adult Study Practicum

Spring
Instructional Design—Crafting Problem-Based
Challenges (online)
Equity and Change Practicum (online)

Summer
Critical Skills for Critical Times (online)
Philosophy of Education and Change (face-to-face)

Course Sequence for May Start

Summer
Teacher Facilitation in a PBL Classroom (online)
Developing Mind (face-to-face)
Critical Skills Level I Institute
(face-to-face) Recommended Elective

Fall
Assessment in a PBL Classroom—A Focus
on Learning (online)
Child/Adult Study Practicum

Spring
Instructional Design—Crafting Problem-Based
Challenges (online)
Curriculum Practicum

Summer
Critical Skills for Critical Times (online)
Philosophy of Education and Change (face-to-face)

Fall
Building Strong Classroom Learning
Communities (online)
Change for Equity

Last Updated: 11/8/11