Problem-based Learning in the Classroom

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered, pedagogical approach that involves students actively working together to solve real-world problems. Problem-based learning gained its momentum in in 1980s in medical school curriculums. Medical students were taught clinical reasoning by collaborating with other students on case students. Research has consistently shown that PBL leads to higher level learning and thinking and improves problem-solving abilities. Therefore, problem-based learning is becoming increasingly common on undergraduate campuses in a variety of disciplines.

The instructional strategy is to divide students into groups and provide them with a messy, ill-structured problem that does not have one single right answer. The problem itself becomes the organizing center and the context for learning. Students will approach the process by working together to answer three questions: What do we know? What do we need to know? How do we find out? The students will research and use the tools available to them to find a solution and will present their findings the class. The end result is that students have taken a problem, gathered information and data, worked collaboratively to find a solution, and communicated that solution. This approach to instruction encourages students to use higher order thinking and hone their problem-solving abilities. Problem-based learning requires to students to utilize skills to learn and solve problems in much the same way that they will be expected to do their future careers, leading to students that are better prepared to enter the workforce.

Problem-based Learning Example and Process:

The Problem: Mrs. Jones is a 75 year old woman who presented to the emergency room with chest pain and shortness of breath. She had been relatively healthy until last week when she took a hard fall after spraining her ankle. Physical examination does not show a fever or other signs of respiratory illness and the chest x-ray is normal.

The Process: Students will meet in a group over the course of several class meetings and will follow the steps in the flow chart below to arrive at a solution. Rubrics are an effective tool for evaluation and assessment of the work done by the student group.

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