Creative and Critical Thinking Skills in Problem-based Learning Environments

Creative and critical thinking skills are the abilities, which can sometimes be used interchangeably in definition. In fact, they have different constructs because they differentiate in outcome of human behaviours. Also one of today’s requirements is that individuals should approach everyday problems by using both competences. So, one of the helpful tool for development of creativity and critical thinking skills proposed is problem-based learning environments in classrooms. In this study, problem based approach including philosophy; general characteristics of it, role of teachers and students in problem-based learning environment, and its uniqueness over other learning approaches is explained by considering advantages and limitations. Then, problem-based learning is discussed with regard to instructional design perspective in a scientific manner. Finally, the study is aimed to explain when PBL grounded in development of instructional strategy as a fruitful approach; instructional strategies, methods and techniques are differentiated in creativity and critical thinking skills.