Shelagh Gallagher

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Shelagh Gallagher Problem-Based Learning Books

All Work and No Play: Child Labor in the Progressive Era

Excluded: Chinese Immigration to the United States

The philosophy behind Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is to immerse students in real world problems in order to learn the core curriculum. While searching for a solution students simultaneously learn content and improve their skills in research, higher order thinking, decision making, collaboration and more. Students leave the experience more motivated and better educated. It emphasizes critical thinking skills, understanding, learning how to learn, and working cooperatively with others.

Students must go beyond their textbooks to pursue knowledge in other resources in between their group meetings. The primary role of the instructor is to facilitate group process and learning, not to provide easy answers. It is particularly useful in gifted education, providing challenging and interesting work.

The Problem-Based Learning units in the Social Sciences series for Royal Fireworks Press by Dr Shelagh Gallagher can be used also in an American History context.

For each unit in the series, there is a Resource Book of original papers, speeches and photographs of the period and Problem Logs for each student to record their work. A Teacher Manual describes how to conduct the project, how to develop problem-solving skills and awareness and how to lead students into considering all sides of a real-life historical situation with the legislation and consequences... consequences that resonate and even are relevant to today's sociological problems.

Dr Gallagher is a nationally recognized expert in gifted education and Problem-Based Learning. She is available for workshops and presentations through Royal Fireworks Press.