Jump to Content

Problem-based learning

PBL Process | Online PBL | Virtual teams | Netiquette
 
The amount of knowledge in every field and the rate at which it is increasing is accelerating. In your studies you cannot learn all the material on a specific topic but you can learn how to learn. In traditional courses much of what is taught is often forgotten very quickly. Students tend to focus on material that is to be assessed rather than learning concepts and processes for dealing with real-world issues or problems which means that learning remains at a superficial level.

The goal of Problem Based Learning is to learn how to be self-directed learners who are motivated to solve a problem. The focus of Problem Based Learning is on active learning through grappling with a problem using independent and team learning supported by self-reflection (Creedy and Hand 1995).

In a PBL course students meet together in small groups (either face-to-face or in a virtual environment) to discuss a set problem. Initially students explore the problem using their prior knowledge and experience. They then analyse the problem and formulate hypotheses that might explain the problem. They use this information to determine further information that is required to understand and solve the problem.

Students then independently research and gather information. This new information is presented to the group which may then lead to a new formulation of the problem and the identification of questions and information needed to decide between competing solutions to the problem. Throughout the process the role of the course coordinator is to act as a facilitator rather than a teacher. Instead of providing answers the facilitator encourages useful lines of questioning and, where necessary, provides some problem solving structures.

Finally the students and the facilitator assess the quality of the answers they have obtained and the effectiveness of the processes used.
 

top^