Commonly known as the Problem Based Learning (PBL), this method of learining is adopted by a polytechnic in Singapore. The primary consideration for this form of learning starts with the student asking 3 questions: 1) What do I know? 2) What do I need to know? 3) What do I need to find out? Only by getting all these 3 questions right, then you might be able to arrive at a solution in which you think can best solved the problem.
Surely, this method of learning is highly based on the prior knowledge of the students... and therefore there will be many cases of assumptions and guesses which could be wrong. The next level would require one to think about the things they need to know. At this point, the student will have many hanging question marks. Many doubts and queries. In the last stage, individual needs to examine what he needs to find out? and therefore, finding a solution from the various means which can include the internet, answers from a friend, from books and journals, etc.
With this thinking process, one will be able to find out the answers to the problem and arrive at a conclusion on how things should be handle. So how is this related to Singapore paintball?
There are too many assumptions, guesses going around but not a single piece of fact to back things up. Facts are of course back by form of statistics, such as date, time, price, cost, numbers, etc. Without numbers, there will be no facts. To think of a problem at only at stage 1, many answers are backed by prior knowledge, assumptions, guesses which is often regarded as personal views.
2 comments:
Hmmm Part 1 seems to be very short
Your own assumption that those that undertake the PBL process know nothing or what they do know is only an assumption mocks the entire PBL process.
The process of PBL involves teamwork and calls for team input and analysis of each individuals skills to start the process. If facts are questioned in this initial stage then the group should merely add these questions to the list of things they need to find out. Further research and facts can be obtained, data analysis can made and finally based on these findings, possible solutions can be suggested.
People only assume because the facts are not presented to them or they lack flexibility when processing information or lack creative problem solving ability. Lack of qualified facts, lack of data and lack of educational resources may result in assumptions but more often than not, they will lead to people taking the initiative to do the research, report the data and work with others to allow for problems to be solved.
A simple lack of transparency will always lead to assumptions being made. To claim that so-called assumptions are not fact without providing adequate supporting material and research only gives validity to some assumptions.
Singapore paintball cannot be related to PBL simply due to the fact that there lacks a 'team' to start the problem solving process and many refute the perceived problems that plague Singapore paintball in the first place.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Grant, you are absolutely right about the PBL process. Assumptions are made before solving the problem but allowing these assumptions to grow into more assumptions and confusing the individual is also part of the PBL process. Surely not all arrive with the same solution to solve a problem but which ever solution is used, these findings are all back by facts. Presentation of the facts can be addressed with face to face meetings because people lose all emotions online. All of us cannot deny the fact that assumptions without any facts are still assumptions.
The true fact is, individual has prior knowledge of the make up but refuse to accept the truth. We did our promotion and development and that is a fact.
We must also consider timeline as another fact. The truth is, there were no competitive paintballers when the establishment was formed. Recreational centers who are run by business mind people do not develop and promote the game (and that is a fact too). They could do it 8 years ago but they didn't. I cannot think of any way to create flexibility to the regulations set by the authorities if there is no representation at all. Present ourselves as businessmen and the next thing you know, your proposal goes out the window (that is a fact too).
I would like to conclude that the door is always open if there is anyone who wants to know what we have gone through to bring us to where we are today. Pass on the baton to someone? Sure...why not?
Oh, btw if you are keen to share with me about your recent development of paintball for the region, I am glad to be part of this. I heard from someone outside the local community that something is brewing.
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