Hostname: page-component-74656f9884-7drmj Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-05T10:14:45.233Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Problem-Based Learning in Introductory Linguistics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2026

Valentyna Filimonova
Valentyna Filimonova*
Affiliation:
Indiana University
*
[valefili@iu.edu]
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This study proposes a design for and examines the effects of a PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING approach to the promotion and assessment of deep learning in undergraduate linguistics education. Specifically, it reports on how the higher-order learning outcomes are achieved by students through a semester-long problem-solving task in an introductory Spanish linguistics course. Specific teaching strategies are described, and achievement is measured by student grades, self-evaluations, and reflections. This approach has proven effective for stimulating such higher-order thinking skills as (i) applying knowledge of the material to solving linguistic problems, (ii) developing skills in research and critical analysis, and (iii) developing a professional work ethic.

Keywords

problem-based learningpedagogyintroduction to linguisticsforensic linguisticshigher-order thinking

Information

Type
Teaching Linguistics
Information
Language , Volume 96 , Issue 1 , March 2020 , pp. e1 - e21
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Linguistic Society of America

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

ABET. 2013. Criteria for accrediting engineering programs. Baltimore, MD: Engineering Accreditation Commission. Online: http://www.abet.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/E001-14-15-EAC-Criteria.pdf.Google Scholar
Albanese, Mark A., and Mitchell, Susan. 1993. Problem-based learning: A review of literature on its outcomes and implementation issues. Academic Medicine 68(1). 52–81.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Alessio, Helaine. 2004. Student perceptions about and performance in problem-based learning. Journal of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 4(1). 23–34. Online: https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/josotl/article/view/1607.Google Scholar
Anderson, Lorin W., and Krathwohl, David R. (eds.) 2001. A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives. New York: Longman.Google Scholar
Arámbula-Greenfield, Teresa. 1996. Implementing problem-based learning in a college science class: Testing problem-solving methodology as a viable alternative to traditional science-teaching techniques. Journal of College Science Teaching 26(1). 26–30.Google Scholar
Baeten, Marlies, Kyndt, Eva, Struyven, Katrien; and Dochy, Filip. 2010. Using student-centred learning environments to stimulate deep approaches to learning: Factors encouraging or discouraging their effectiveness. Educational Research Review 5(3). 243–60. DOI: 10.1016/j.edurev.2010.06.001.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Barrows, Howard S. 1986. A taxonomy of problem-based learning methods. Medical Education 20(6). 481–86. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.1986.tb01386.x.10.1111/j.1365-2923.1986.tb01386.xCrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Barrows, Howard S., and Tamblyn, Robyn M.. 1980. Problem-based learning: An approach to medical education. New York: Springer.Google Scholar
Bateman, Nicoleta. 2019. Linguistics in middle school: Incorporating linguistics into project-based learning. Language 95(2). e300–e326. DOI: 10.1353/lan.2019.0044.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Belland, Brian R., French, Brian F.; and Ertmer, Peggy A.. 2009. Validity and problem-based learning research: A review of instruments used to assess intended learning outcomes. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning 3(1). 59–89. DOI: 10.7771/1541-5015.1059.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bloom, Benjamin Samuel (ed.) 1956. Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. Handbook 1: Cognitive domain. New York: David McKay.Google Scholar
Blumberg, Phyllis. 2009. Developing learner-centered teaching: A practical guide for faculty. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.Google Scholar
Boduszek, Daniel, Shevlin, Mark, Adamson, Gary; and Hyland, Philip. 2013. Eysenck's personality model and criminal thinking style within a violent and nonviolent offender sample: Application of propensity score analysis. Deviant Behavior 34(6). 483–93. DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2012.748628.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Boud, David, and Feletti, Grahame (eds.) 1997. The challenge of problem-based learning. 2nd edn. London: Kogan Page.Google Scholar
Bruffee, Kenneth A. 1993. Collaborative learning: Higher education, interdependence, and the authority of knowledge. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.Google Scholar
Chakravarthi, Srikumar, Judson, John Paul; and Vijayan, Priya. 2009. An evaluative study on comparison of problem based learning and lecture based pedagogy on self directed learning in undergraduate medical education. Indian Journal of Science and Technology 2(12). 59–67. Online: http://www.indjst.org/index.php/indjst/article/view/29561.10.17485/ijst/2009/v2i12.9CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cheaney, James D., and Ingebritsen, Thomas. 2005. Problem-based learning in an online course: A case study. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 6(3). Online: http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/267/433.Google Scholar
Coulson, Richard L. 1983. Problem-based student-centered learning of the cardiovascular system using the problem-based learning module (P.B.L.M.). Physiologist 26. 220–24.Google Scholar
Dochy, Filip, Segers, Mien, Van, Piet Bossche, den; and Gijbels, David. 2003. Effects of problem-based learning: A meta-analysis. Learning and Instruction 13. 533–68. DOI: 10.1016/S0959-4752(02)00025-7.10.1016/S0959-4752(02)00025-7CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Eisenstaedt, Richard S., Barry, William E.; and Glanz, Karen. 1990. Problem-based learning: Cognitive retention and cohort traits of randomly selected participants and decliners. Academic Medicine 65(9).S11–S12. DOI: 10.1097/00001888-199009000-00020.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Felder, Richard M., and Brent, Rebecca. 2003. Designing and teaching courses to satisfy the ABET engineering criteria. Journal of Engineering Education 91(1). 7–25. DOI: 10.1002/j.2168-9830.2003.tb00734.x.10.1002/j.2168-9830.2003.tb00734.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fitzgerald, Colleen M. 2010. Developing a service-learning curriculum for linguistics. Language and Linguistics Compass 4(4). 204–18. DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-818X.2010.00196.x.10.1111/j.1749-818X.2010.00196.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fosnot, Catherine Twomey, and Perry, Randall Stewart. 1996. Constructivism: A psychological theory of learning. Constructivism: Theory, perspectives, and practice, ed. by Fosnot, Catherine Twomey, 8–33. New York: Teachers College Press.Google Scholar
Gallagher, Shelagh A., and Stepien, William J.. 1996. Content acquisition in problem-based learning: Depth versus breadth in American studies. Talents and Gifts 19(3). 257–75. DOI: 10.1177/6235329601900302.Google Scholar
Garrison, D. Randy. 1997. Self-directed learning: Toward a comprehensive model. Adult Education Quarterly 48(1). 18–33. DOI: 10.1177/074171369704800103.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gijbels, David, Dochy, Filip, Van, Piet Bossche, den; and Segers, Mien. 2005. Effects of problem-based learning: A meta-analysis from the angle of assessment. Review of Educational Research 75(1). 27–61. DOI: 10.3102/00346543075001027.10.3102/00346543075001027CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Harris, Cristen, and Kloubec, June. 2014. Assessment of student experience in a problem-based learning course using the course experience questionnaire. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 46(4). 315–19. DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2013.12.002.10.1016/j.jneb.2013.12.002CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hung, Woei, Bailey, Jessica Harpole; and Jonassen, David H.. 2003. Exploring the tensions of problem-based learning: Insights from research. New Directions for Teaching and Learning 95. 13–23. DOI: 10.1002/tl.108.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jonassen, David. 2000. Toward a design theory of problem solving. Educational Technology Research and Development 48(4). 63–85. DOI: 10.1007/BF02300500.10.1007/BF02300500CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jonassen, David. 2011. Supporting problem solving in PBL. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning 5(2). 95–119. DOI: 10.7771/1541-5015.1256.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kelm, Orlando R. n.d. Spanish proficiency exercises. Austin: University of Texas at Austin. Online: http://www.laits.utexas.edu/spe/.Google Scholar
Kirschner, Paul A., Sweller, John; and Clark, Richard E.. 2006. Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. Educational Psychologist 41(2). 75–86. DOI: 10.1207/s15326985ep4102_1.10.1207/s15326985ep4102_1CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Koromyslova, Ekaterina, and Garry, Byron G.. 2016. Problem-based learning in a supply chain management course. Paper presented at the 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans. DOI: 10.18260/p.25960.10.18260/p.25960.10.18260/p.25960.10.18260/p.25960CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Krajcik, Joseph S., and Blumenfeld, Phyllis C.. 2006. Project-based learning. The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences, ed. by Sawyer, R. Keith, 317–34. New York: Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar
Krathwohl, David R. 2002. A revision of Bloom's taxonomy: An overview. Theory into Practice 41(4). 212–18. DOI: 10.1207/s15430421tip4104_2.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Krawetz, Neal. 2006. Gender guesser. Hacker Factor Solutions. Online: http://www.hackerfactor.com/GenderGuesser.php#Analyze.Google Scholar
Lakoff, Robin. 1973. Language and woman's place. Language in Society 2(1). 45–79. DOI: 10.1017/S0047404500000051.10.1017/S0047404500000051CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Leonard, Robert A. 2006. Forensic linguistics: Applying the scientific principles of language analysis to issues of the law. International Journal of the Humanities 3(7). 65–69.Google Scholar
Lima, Rui M., Carvalho, Dinis, Flores, Maria Assunção; and van Hattum-Janssen, Natascha. 2007. A case study on project led education in engineering: Students' and teachers' perceptions. European Journal of Engineering Education 32(3). 337–47. DOI: 10.1080/03043790701278599.10.1080/03043790701278599CrossRefGoogle Scholar
MacKenzie, Laurel. 2018. What's in a name? Teaching linguistics using onomastic data. Language 94(4). e293–e310. DOI: 10.1353/lan.2018.0068.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
McKee, Cecile, Zimmer, Elly, Fountain, Amy, Huang, Hui-Yu; and Vento, Mia. 2015. Public outreach in linguistics: Engaging broader audiences. Language and Linguistics Compass 9(9). 349–57. DOI: 10.1111/lnc3.12153.10.1111/lnc3.12153CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nardi, Deena, and Kremer, Martin. 2003. Learning outcomes and self-assessments of baccalaureate students in an introduction to nursing course. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 3(3). 43–55. Online: https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/josotl/article/view/1602.Google Scholar
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). 2018. Online: http://www.naceweb.org/.Google Scholar
Newman, Matthew L., Groom, Carla J., Handelman, Lori D.; and Pennebaker, James W.. 2008. Gender differences in language use: An analysis of 14,000 text samples. Discourse Processes 45(3). 211–36. DOI: 10.1080/01638530802073712.10.1080/01638530802073712CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Oberlander, Jon, and Gill, Alastair J.. 2004. Individual differences and implicit language: Personality, parts-of-speech and pervasiveness. Proceedings of the annual meeting of the Cognitive Science Society 26. 1035–54. Online: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/94c490mq.Google Scholar
Perrenet, Jacob C., Bouhuijs, Peter A. J.; and Smits, Jan G. M. M.. 2000. The suitability of problem-based learning for engineering education: Theory and practice. Teaching in Higher Education 5(3). 345–58. DOI: 10.1080/713699144.10.1080/713699144CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Piaget, Jean. 1955. Construction of reality in the child. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.Google Scholar
Piaget, Jean. 1977. The development of thought: Equilibrium of cognitive structures. New York: Viking.Google Scholar
Prince, Michael. 2004. Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of Engineering Education 93(3). 223–31. DOI: 10.1002/j.2168-9830.2004.tb00809.x.10.1002/j.2168-9830.2004.tb00809.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sanders, Nathan. 2016. Constructed languages in the classroom. Language 92(3). e192–e204. DOI: 10.1353/lan.2016.0055.10.1353/lan.2016.0055CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Savery, John R., and Duffy, Thomas M.. 1995. Problem based learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework. Educational Technology 35(5). 31–38. Online: https://www.jstor.org/stable/44428296.Google Scholar
Schcolnik, Miriam, Kol, Sara; and Abarbanel, Joan. 2006. Constructivism in theory and in practice. English Teaching Forum 44(4). 12–20.Google Scholar
Schmidt, Henk G. 1993. Foundations of problem-based learning: Some explanatory notes. Medical Education 27(5). 422–32. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.1993.tb00296.x.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Schmidt, Henk G., van der Molen, Henk T., te Winkel, Wilco W. R.; and Wijnen, Wynand H. F. W.. 2009. Constructivist, problem-based learning does work: A meta-analysis of curricular comparisons involving a single medical school. Educational Psychologist 44(4). 227–49. DOI: 10.1080/00461520903213592.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sipes, Shannon. 2017. Development of a problem-based learning matrix for data collection. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning 11(1). DOI: 10.7771/1541-5015.1615.Google Scholar
Solomon, Patricia, and Crowe, Jean. 2001. Perceptions of student peer tutors in a problem-based learning programme. Medical Teacher 23(2). 181–86. DOI: 10.1080/01421590020031101.Google Scholar
Spring, Cari L., Flynn, Michael, Joseph, Brian D., Moses, Rae, Steele, Susan; and Webb, Charlotte. 2000. The successful introductory course: Bridging the gap for the nonmajor. Language 76(1). 110–22. DOI: 10.2307/417395.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stentoft, Diana. 2017. From saying to doing interdisciplinary learning: Is problem-based learning the answer? Active Learning in Higher Education 18(1). 51–61. DOI: 10.1177/1469787417693510.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Strobel, Johannes, and van Barneveld, Angela. 2009. When is PBL more effective? A meta-synthesis of meta-analyses comparing PBL to conventional classrooms. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning 3(1). 44–58. DOI: 10.7771/1541-5015.1046.10.7771/1541-5015.1046CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Vygotsky, Lev Semenovich. 1978. Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.Google Scholar
Walker, Andrew, and Leary, Heather. 2009. A problem based learning meta analysis: Differences across problem types, implementation types, disciplines, and assessment levels. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning 3(1). 12–43. DOI: 10.7771/1541-5015.1061.10.7771/1541-5015.1061CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Willis, A. Sandra. 2002. Problem-based learning in a general psychology course. The Journal of General Education 51(4). 282–92. DOI: 10.7771/1541-5015.1061.10.1353/jge.2003.0017CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Woods, Donald R. 1996. Problem-based learning for large classes in chemical engineering. New Directions for Teaching and Learning 68. 91–99. DOI: 10.1002/tl.37219966813.10.1002/tl.37219966813CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yilmaz, Kaya. 2008. Constructivism: Its theoretical underpinnings, variations, and implications for classroom instruction. Educational Horizons 86(3). 161–72. Online: https://www.jstor.org/stable/42923724.Google Scholar
Supplementary material: File

Filimonova supplementary material

Filimonova supplementary material
Download Filimonova supplementary material(File)
File 539.5 KB