Problem-Based Learning

Let’s talk med. students

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So what’s the solution?• No silver bullet• Problem-Based Learning (PBL)• McMaster School of Medicine in Canada in 1965

Defining PBL (Project vs. Prob.)

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A Definition

1. Learning is student-centered2. Learning occurs in small student groups3. Problems form the organizing focus and stimulus4. New information is acquired through self-directed learning

Barrows, H.S. (1996). Problem-based learning in medicine and beyond: a brief overview. New directions for teaching and learning (68), 3-12.

Learner-Centered

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• Really about control• “identifying what they need to know to better understand and

manage the problem on which they are working…”

Barrows, H.S. (1996). Problem-based learning in medicine and beyond: a brief overview. New directions for teaching and learning (68), 3-12.

Small Groups

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• Groups of 5 to 8-9 students

Barrows, H.S. (1996). Problem-based learning in medicine and beyond: a brief overview. New directions for teaching and learning (68), 3-12.

Teachers as guides

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• Teach or tutor• “asks students the kinds of questions that they should be

asking themselves to better understand and manage the problem”

• Interesting work with non-experts

Barrows, H.S. (1996). Problem-based learning in medicine and beyond: a brief overview. New directions for teaching and learning (68), 3-12.

Problems as organizers

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• Representative of what students will face; not contrived• Problem drives whole orientation of course

Self-Directed learning

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Examples• Sociology• Biology• Music

Sociology• Why are there fewer women in higher education in the state

of Utah? What might be possible solutions?• White paper for president or legislators. Or journal article.

BUT…• Curriculum is then organized around exploring theories that

might explain why and how it might be addressed. It is NOT organized around the development of the whitepaper

Biology• A toll bridge has been proposed for Utah Lake. What are the

possible environmental hazards?• Meet with faculty/tutor to regularly discuss ways to break

down the problem and determine areas of study.• Careful balance between structuring the curriculum and

allowing for self-direction.

Music• Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” was considered

controversial when first released. Why? What lead to it?• Curriculum of Music History course organized around

understanding the events that lead up to it and what happened after.

• Prepare insert for classical music performance

Benefits of PBL• Student satisfaction tends to be higher• Research skills stronger• “Acquisition of an integrated knowledge base”

Challenges to PBL

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Misconceptions

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• PBL students more likely to include extraneous material in explanation.

Albanese, M. & Michell, S. (1993). Problem-based learning: A review of literature on its outcomes and implementation issues. Academic Medicine, 68(1), 52-81.

Student Preference

• Why aren’t you lecturing?• Students trained and thrived on lectures• Active role is frustrating

Albanese, M., & Mitchell, S. (1993). Problem-based learning: A Review of Literature on its outcomes and implementation issues. Academic Medicine, 68(1), 52-81.

Cultural Issues

Time and Efficiency

• 22% longer to cover same material• Can be a lot of time for faculty both in transition and running a

PBL course

Shahabudin, S. H. (1987). Content Coverage in Problem-Based Learning. Med. Educ. 21:310-313.

Med. students• More backwards reasoning (unknown to givens); concern

because experts use forward reasoning• Less decisive• More likely to choose teaching and research• More likely to recommend psychotherapy and refer patients

more often

•Maybe

Other general PBL issues• Infrastructure• Faculty restructuring their time; can be stressful• Attrition• Assessing group work• Gains aren’t as big as hoped

Colliver, J.A. (2000). Effectiveness of problem-based learning curricula: research and theory. Academic Medicine, 75(3), 259-266.

PBL Prescription

• Symptoms: PowerPoint poisoning, students suffering a terminal case of boredom, teacher losing the will to live.

• Side effects: extra time, mild to moderate student discomfort, multiple meetings in one week or day, weight gain from meeting on the first floor of library

• PBL is not meant for teachers whose self-esteem is tied to the podium

• If students approach with pitchforks, discontinue use of PBL immediately.

• Ask a trained professional (including yourself) if PBL is right for you

Questions?• Thank you for attending