Problem based learning projects are a great way to engage your students and incorporate some rigor. How, you ask? Problem based learning projects incorporate many, and sometimes all of the the 4 C’s; Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity. The Problem Based Learning Parenting Dilemma takes a real world problem inspired by a Washington Post article and provides just enough information for students to come up with a viable solution.  If you’ve ever wanted to try problem based learning in your family or parenting classes, why not start with this one?

Set

• Since this is a group project, you’ll want to divide your students up into small groups. Groups can be randomly assigned or hand-selected as you know your students best.
• Because students will act as advisors to the couple in the dilemma, it’s important to take time to introduce the dilemma, the essential questions and the backstory to them.

Materials

• iPads or Laptops
• Project & Screen

Activities

• Once students have the background information, it’s time for them to begin working on Part I of the dilemma exploring the work options of Laura and Matt.
• Begin by passing out the Work Option Cards to each group. Small groups need to research, calculate and discuss each option. They also need to work through the benefits and drawbacks of Laura and Matt’s employment options, considering their values and finances. Students then use the provided template (see attachments) to work through the dilemma, explaining the benefits and drawbacks associated with each option and then answering the prompts that follow:
  • What option is best for Laura and Matt? Why?
  • What are some future concerns you want them to be aware of with this option? Why?
• If Laura and Matt must use child care, share the options available to them in their local community which include:
  • Family Day Care Center (private homes)
  • Child Care Centers (church & public)
  • Nanny (neighbor comes to the apartment daily)
  • Grandparents/relatives/good friends (schedule varies/their home & can come to the apartment)
• If Laura and Matt must use child care, they are looking for options that meet the following criteria:
  • Low adult to infant ratio
  • Affordable
  • Clean
  • Safe
  • Structured routine
  • Age appropriate activities
  • Location–not too far out of the way for either
  • Nutritious meals or snack program (if available)
• Now, it’s time for Part II of the dilemma in which students explore child care. Begin by passing out the Child Care option cards. Small groups will research, calculate and discuss each option as they work through the benefits and drawbacks of Laura and Matt’s child care options, considering their values, criteria and finances.
• Next, students will use the provided template (see attachments) to work through the dilemma, explaining benefits and drawbacks associated with each option and then answering the prompts that follow:
  • What option is best for Laura and Matt? Why?
  • What are some future concerns you want them to be aware of with this option? Why?
• After small groups complete their template, they present their decisions and solutions to the class, explaining as they go in order to justify their positions. This method of presenting to the class allows you and your class to see the similarities and differences between the thought processes and decision making that went into their final solution. This is a great time to share that inspiration article with  them and let them know that this is a real-world dilemma that many new parents struggle with. I’d also like to mention that as students present their templates, you can grade them as they do which will free up time in your schedule!

Attachments

• Be the Advisor: To Work or Not to Work: A Parenting Dilemma (PDF)
• To Work or Not to Work Parenting Dilemma_ Template (please make your own copy by going to file, click make a copy)