Problem based learning is an instructional desgin method in which students learn how to learn by solving problems. It engages the students in the learning process by providing them with a way to link prior knowledge with new knowledge structures.

Problems are posed, and students identify what it is that they need to know. Following the PBL learning cycle, students learn what they need to know synthesize it with thier prior knowledge, apply it to the problem and then evaluate the outcome.

Though a collaborative effort students socially negotiate the learning, creating mental models about the subject, and solve the problems. By creating well designed problems the teacher can employ multiple intelligences with the student.