Personalized Learning-Problem Based Learning

To continue the discussion on Personalized Learning, we should examine a way to personalize instruction, in some cases.  Problem-based instruction is a great way to personalize and differentiate instruction.  Problem-based instruction is just as it sounds.  Present a problem, give parameters, and let your students solve the problem while they build knowledge through effort (growth mindset tie in...).
Here is some general Information about problem-based learning.  I wouldn't imagine such a teaching technique would be used everyday but it could be used in certain situations that fit the process quite well.

For Example:

Examine and define the problem.

Explore what they already know about underlying issues related to it.

Determine what they need to learn and where they can acquire the information and tools necessary to solve the problem.

Evaluate possible ways to solve the problem.

Solve the problem.

Report on their findings.

Here is a quick few paragraphs from an ASCD publication (site reference below) about the origins of problem-based learning.

Chapter 1. What Is Problem-Based Learning?

To organize education so that natural active tendencies shall be fully enlisted in doing something, while seeing to it that the doing requires observation, the acquisition of information, and the use of a constructive imagination, is what needs to be done to improve social conditions.

. Dewey 1916, 1944, p. 137

All education involves either problem solving or preparation for problem-solving. From mathematical calculations (“What does this equal?”) to literary analysis (“What does this mean?”) to scientific experiments (“Why and how does this happen?”) to historical investigation (“What took place, and why did it occur that way?”), teachers show students how to answer questions and solve problems. When teachers and schools skip the problem-formulating stage—handing facts and procedures to students without giving them a chance to develop their own questions and investigate by themselves—students may memorize material but will not fully understand or be able to use it. Problem-based learning (PBL) provides a structure for discovery that helps students internalize learning and leads to greater comprehension.

Retrieved from:  http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/197166/chapters/What_Is_Problem-Based_Learning%C2%A2.aspx

Questions To Consider:
1.  How do you incorporate problem-based learning into your pedagogy currently?  How is it going?  What would you want to adjust?  Research it, Google it...see what you can find.
2.  The six-step process from the video could be a unit long piece of work.  How could you use that?  What topics would that fit into your curriculum? 
3.  How is problem-based learning different from asking a student to research something and present on it?