They need to gain critical thinking skills to take appropriate steps and apply relevant solutions in multiple contexts. The real-life problems that face participants in Trails projects provide a variety of goals, contexts, contents, obstacles, etc. To be successful in their chosen careers, our clients need practice solving problems that reflect life. This skill is the goal of problem-based learning. This is also Trails to Literacy .

Problem-based learning (PBL) occurs when the learners purposefully and knowingly head towards their learning goals. Throughout the PBL process he or she reflects upon how prior knowledge and experiences are used to meet the learning objective.

The instructor's role becomes one of subject matter expert, resource guide, and task group consultant. This arrangement promotes group processing of information rather than an imparting of information by faculty (Vernon & Blake, 1993). The instructor's role is to encourage student participation, provide appropriate information to keep students on track, avoid negative feedback, and assume the role of fellow learner (Aspy et al., 1993).

The students must be guided to reach both the objectives involved in solving the problem and the objectives related to the process.

11 Commandments For An Enthusiastic Team

  1. Help each other be right - not wrong
  2. Look for ways to make new ideas work-not for reasons they won't
  3. If in doubt- check it out! Don't make negative assumptions about each other
  4. Help each other win and take pride in each other's victories
  5. Speak positively about each other and about your organization at every opportunity
  6. Maintain a positive mental attitude no matter what the circumstances
  7. Act with initiative and courage as if it all depends on you
  8. Do everything with enthusiasm- it's contagious
  9. Whatever you want- give it away
  10. Don't lose faith- never give up
  11. Have fun!!