Problem based learning (PBL)

Amal Al Otaibi

CP, MME

Objectives:

By the end of this session you will be able to:• Define Problem-Based Learning (PBL)• Identify reasons for using PBL in medical

education• List advantages and disadvantages of PBL• Compare PBL with traditional type of

education

what is it?

Problem-based learning: the “problem” part

“Problem” here is NOT about “trouble”. “Problem” refers to “a difficult but interesting matter which triggers one’s curiosity and motivate a desire to understand and/or find resolution for”.

What is Problem-Based Learning?

“A learning method based on the principle of

using problems as a starting point for the

acquisition and integration of new knowledge.”

H.S.

Barrows 1982

What is PBL ?

Albanese and Mitchell (1993) suggest that:

“PBL at its most fundamental level, is an instructional

method characterized by the use of patient problems as a

context for students to learn problem-solving skills and

acquire knowledge about the basic and clinical sciences.”

What is PBL ?

A specific educational approach based on the

relationship between concepts or principles and

examples or problems.

“Problem-based learning is NOT the same as problem-solving.”

Problem-based learning v. problem solving

• Problem-based learning: the process of acquiring new knowledge based on recognition of a need to learn.

• Problem-solving: arriving at decisions based on prior knowledge and reasoning.

History of PBL

Even though the term PBL emerged in the 1960s after much work has been done in the school of Medicine in McMaster, this type of learning can be traced back to Socrates (c.469-399 BC); who believed that self education or self learning is the only true way of learning.

As such, PBL is a way of learning that is problem driven, which takes place in small groups that cooperate, interact and self-directed their own learning objectives.

What’s wrong with lecture-based: or Why PBL?

Rationale of PBL

• Experience from traditional medical education

• PBL embraces principles of good learning and teaching

• Preparing the student for workplace:• Teamwork building• Interpersonal Skills Development• Evidence of success (Research Findings)

PBL vs Traditional teaching

Traditional

Teacher-centered

Focus on Teaching

Lecture

Passive Learning

Discipline Based

Disease focused

Competitive

PBL

Student-centered

Focus on learning

Small Group Learning

Active ( Self-Directed) Learning

Integration

Patient focused

Cooperative

Important Learning Objectives of PBL

• Structuring knowledge for use in clinical contexts

• Developing an effective clinical reasoning process

• Development of effective self-directed learning skills

Important Learning Objectives of PBL cont/-

• Increased motivation for learning

• Problem solving and critical appraisal

• Learning and communication skills

• Leadership roles, value team work and interpersonal skills

PBL Process - Seven Jumps

1) Clarify terms

2) Define the problem

3) Analyze the problem

4) Summarize

5) Formulate learning objectives

6) Self study based on step 5

7) Report back in the group

Key Elements in PBL

TutorialGroup

Process

Students

Tutor

ProblemProblem

Definition of a Problem in PBL

The description of a set of phenomena or

events in need of explanation in terms of

an underlying process, mechanism or

principle.

Problem

Role of Problems in PBL

• Information processing: activation of prior

knowledge, processing and retention of new

knowledge

• Problem solving skills …? Clinical reasoning…

• Integrative thinking

Problem

Role of Problems in PBL cont/-

• Learning how to learn: problem analysis identify

gaps of knowledge…active learning….dealing with

future problems

• Self directed learning

• Motivation for learning: formulate LN,

determine relevance, direct their own

learning….motivation

Problem

• Oriented to the real world

• Has multiple pathways

• Requires team effort

• Builds upon previous knowledge

• Consistent with learning outcomes

• Promotes use of higher cognitive skills

A Good PBL Problem is:

Problem

Tutorial Group

Process

StudentsProblem

TutorTutor

Key Elements in PBL

Who is the PBL Tutor?

A person who facilitates learning of students in PBL tutorials rather than to convey information.

Barrows & Tambylin, 1980

Tutor

Traditional Tutorial

“Students”

Tutor

“Tutor ”

Students

“Tutor ”

PBL Tutorial

Tutor

Requirements for a PBL Tutor

• A knowledge of the process of PBL

• Commitment to student-directed learning

• Ability to generate a non-threatening environment while still acting to promote discussion and critical thinking

• Willingness to make constructive evaluation of student and group performance

Tutor

Seven Most Important Skills of the Tutor

1. Questions and probes reasoning process

2. Promotes integration

3. Helps students to balance basic and clinical

sciences in the problem

4. Provides frequent feedback

Tutor

Seven Most Important Skills of the Tutor

5. Encourages critical appraisal of information

6. Encourages student direction of the tutorials

7. Facilitates and supports good interpersonal relationships in the group

Tutor

Role of the Tutor in PBL: Debates

1. Content or process expert

2. Strict “ ADHEERENCE” to PBL process

3. How much knowledge can the tutor transfer?

4. Does the role of tutor changes according to

student level?

5. Can students be tutors?

6. Does training affects tutoring “styles”?

Tutor

Key Elements in PBL

Tutorial Group

Process

Problem

Tutor

StudentsStudents

Role of Students in PBL Tutorials

• Learner

• Leader

• Facilitator

• Recorder

• Elaborator

• Critic

• Evaluator

• Encourager

Students

Students Roles

Chair•Lead the group through the process• Encourage all members to participate• Maintain group dynamics• Keep to time•Ensure group keeps to task in hand•Ensure scribe can keep up and is making an accurate records

Scribe• Record points

made by group• Help group order

their thoughts• Participate in

discussion• Record resources

used by group

Participant• Follow the steps of the process in sequence

• Participate in discussion

• Listen to and respect contributions of others

• Ask open questions

• Research all the learning objectives

• Share information with others

Tutorial Session

Students

Starting the Problem (Tutorial Session 1)

• What do we know?• What do we need to

know?• Discuss & list

learning issues• Organize who does

what

Students

Students

Tutor

Tutor

Students

Reporting Back (Tutorial Session 2)

Students

• Recap case• Discuss in a logical order• Avoid mini-lectures• Interact/Question each other• Evaluate

Self Directed Learning

It does not mean:• Unstructured

• Disorganized approach to learning

• Learners cannot take responsibility for their own learning, but undertaken with the guidance of a teacher

Students

Key Elements in PBL

TutorialGroup

Process

StudentsProblem

Tutor

Aims of the PBL Group

1. Facilitation of learning

2. Fostering self-directed and life-long learners

3. Development of social skills that enhance professional relations with patients and fellows

Are Holen, Med Teacher, 2000

TutorialGroup

Process

The PBL Continuum

Information orientated Problem-based

Curriculum Organization

Clinical Sciences

Basic Sciences

Basic Medical Sciences

Clinical Sciences

Advantages

• Enjoyable and stimulating for both, students and faculty

• Promotes Self-directed learning skills• Systematic method of clinical reasoning• Critical thinking, learning skills, creativity

research skills, Challenging and motivating

Bears G. The Effect of Teaching Methods on Objective Test Scores: Problem-Based Learning Versus Lecture, Journal of Nursing Education, Jul 2005;44,7; ProQuest Medical Library

Disadvantages of PBL

• Too much time and work required• Cost• Faculty time demands• Resource problems• Difficulty with student evaluation

Bears G. The Effect of Teaching Methods on Objective Test Scores: Problem-Based Learning Versus Lecture, Journal of Nursing Education, Jul 2005;44,7; ProQuest Medical Library

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5omNEmWicU

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75F6FgwnKJU&feature=relmfu

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5-IhEUm3ic

Thank you