History of Problem-Based Learning

  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    This Act authorized the Federal Government to distribute funds to schools in low income areas to ensure that all schools were funded appropriately (Paul, 2016).
  • Problem-Based Learning theory developed

    McMaster University Medical College introduces problem-based learning as a teaching style for medical students who lacked practical experiences (Jones, 2006).
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    Problem-Based learning expands

    After the successes shown by McMaster University Medical School, more institutions around the world adopt similar programs (Jones, 2006).
  • No Child Left Behind Act 2001

    Reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Created penalties for schools who did not show improvements in achievement (Lee, 2014).
  • Every Student Succeeds Act 2015

    This Act further authorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Replaced No Child Left Behind and moved accountability to the states (The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), n.d.; U.S. Department of Education, n.d.).
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    Push for Problem-Based Learning continues

    Numerous studies are performed to determine the effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning. These studies are performed in a variety of content areas in several countries and demographic regions.