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What is Problem-Based Learning?

Problem Based Learning can be described as [Ref 1] :

“An instructional strategy in which students confront conceptually ill-structured problems and strive to find meaningful solutions.”

In a PBL environment, students are encouraged to solve problems, which are set in a real world framework. The main components to a PBL strategy are as follows [Refs 2&3]

Group Work. Students work together in small groups (usually of four to twelve). Groups provide a framework in which students can test and develop their level of understanding. They also model real working environments. The complexity of the problems will be such that members of the group will have to divide up tasks to make progress. The students have a responsibility to the efficient working of the group as well as the development of their individual learning.

Problem Solving. The problems given in a PBL environment are often complex in nature and will in general require thought and enquiry. In many ways, these problems are indicative of the types of problems faced by physicists engaged in research in industry and universities.

Discovering new knowledge. In order to find a meaningful solution, students will have to seek new knowledge. From the very beginning, the students must decide what they know and what they need to know in order to continue. Group discussions connect this new material to the framework of understanding which they are trying to build.

Based in the real world. The main emphasis is to encourage students to start thinking like physicists early on in their careers, thereby easing the transition from University to the work place. For example rather than just having students perform spectroscopy to verify an end result, in a laboratory PBL session, they might be asked to use spectroscopy to resolve a disputed insurance claim. In many of the problems, both theoretical and practical, students will find that there is not necessarily a single correct answer.

Should I try PBL?

What is a PBL Problem?

What makes a good PBL problem?

How do I write a PBL problem?

What is a PBL model?

How do I form and manage groups?

Facilitation FAQ

Assessment FAQ

This content is based on the Project LeAP Practice Guide to Problem-Based Learning in Physics and Astronomy, eds D J Raine and S L Symons, HEA Subject Centre for Physical Science, 2005, available here