Problem-based learning is one of the branches of scientific research in the field of improving the efficiency of the educational process. At the moment, it serves as an assistant in solving a huge range of tasks.These include the development of cognitive involvement, creative thinking, independence in finding solutions. The purpose of this article is to study problembased learning to improve the effectiveness of students’ activities at lessons of history. The objectives of this research are: firstly, to study the history of origin, basic concepts and essence of the problem-based learning method; secondly, to consider the main ways of implementing problem-based learning in the educational process; thirdly, to identify the importance of problem-based learning in improving the effectiveness of educational and cognitive activities of students.