An instructional method that challenges students to "learn to learn," working cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to real world problems. These problems are used to engage students' curiosity and initiate learning the subject matter. PBL prepares students to think critically and analytically and to find and use appropriate learning resources.
Download the full text of one author's writings on the subject.
The Second International Conference on Problem-based Learning in Higher Education, September 2000, in Linköping, Sweden.
National and international web site for research and information on Problem-Based Learning. Find who is doing PBL in undergraduate education.
Multimedia adds a vibrant new dimension to project-based learning. Find teacher resources, evaluation reports, events calendar, forum, and examples of student work.
The Centre plays an active role in the development of problem-based programs, both within the University and in consultancy to institutions in Australia and overseas. It has established a reputation as one of the leading groups in the field.
PBL is both a curriculum and a process. The curriculum consists of carefully selected and designed problems that demand from the learner acquisition of critical knowledge, problem solving proficiency, self-directed learning strategies, and team participation skills. The process replicates the commonly used systemic approach to resolving problems or meeting challenges that are encountered in life and career.
Bibliography of the Australian Problem Based Learning Network. Citations are grouped by subject area.
The use of case studies holds great promise as a pedagogical technique for teaching science, particularly to undergraduates, because it humanizes science and well illustrates scientific methodology and values. It develops students' skills in group learning, speaking, and critical thinking, and since many of the best cases are based on contemporary--and often contentious--science problems that students encounter in the news (such as human cloning), the use of cases in the classroom makes science relevant.
This list encourages open discussion on the use of problem-based learning in undergraduate education. One can browse the archives of past posts as well.
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