Abstract:
This study uses Problem-based learning to teach the skill of writing to intermediate-level
students at an Intensive English Program, in a mid-sized Midwestern university. A sevenweek
instructional unit was designed to test the effectiveness of the Problem-Based
Learning method for teaching the skill of writing. The instructional unit was tested for
efficacy in meeting the outcomes while creating greater student empowerment,
understanding of the materials, generating student involvement and enhancing students’
critical thinking and problem solving skills. The study also tested the effectiveness of the
suggested model, which was followed to design the instructional unit. The effectiveness
was gauged by examining student involvement, understanding of the materials and
performance at writing, which was measured through the essays written by the students in
class.
