A Problem-Based Course for Grade 13 Biology

Abstract

The students of the Self-Reliant Learning Program of the Halton Board of Education participate in an alternative secondary school program. They work on individualized, student-centered programs and proceed at a self-determined rate. The students range in age from 17 to 70 years, have a greater sense of their educational needs and direction and may bring to the classroom wider experiences than the students of a regular secondary school. A problem-based course has been developed to assist the students in developing skills for dealing with problems while gaining knowledge of biology. The limited field testing that has been carried out indicates that the students in the course are improving their organizational and problem-solving skills and showing improved understanding of biological concepts. The educational rationale and an evaluation of the program are presented along with the materials comprising the seven units of the course.