Apollo 11 Revisited - An Example of Problem-Based Learning

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is defined as a learning concept where "the problem drives the learning. "[1] It has been observed that students learning the medical profession learn through solving actual medical problems. Students are presented a problem (or case) whereby they confirm old knowledge before they can learn new knowledge. This process allows students discover what they need to learn and to discover what they need to change. The main steps of Problem-Based Learning include: 1. Explore the issues (Student Discussion VS Fact-cramming) 2. Define the problem 3. Discuss and investigate the possible solutions 4. Research supporting knowledge 5. Choose a. solution 6. Review the solutions and the reasons behind the solution choice This paper describes the Problem-based Learning techniques presented to a graduate Software Engineering class. The class was presented the problem of landing safely on the moon...Apollo 11.