Problem Based Learning : Principles and Design - What is it all about?
Published
by Glenn Behenna, Programme Director/Lecturer at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Business School)
In a separate discussion post, David has identified a range of engaging approaches to learning which he is integrating into an MBA class. I so enjoyed reading David article, as he identified so many good approaches to effective engagement with learners, some of which I use myself.
Active learning should of course be a priority. A learning environment with lacks integrated learning activities, will result in disengaged and dissatisfied learners. I prefer to think of myself as a facilitator of learning, drawing upon proven approaches from professional/commercial learning environments which have much to offer.
I also believe that variety in learning is so important. We as staff should always wish to learn. To show that this is not just hot air on my part, I'm participating in a Problem Based Learning: Principles and Design (for Professional Development) group with Maastricht University. There are interesting threads emerging from this shared experience with fellow university professionals, which I will share with you time permitting. I will of course be looking for opportunities to integrate PBL approaches even more.
My final few words are a question : -) What do you think Problem Based Learning is about…… No, don’t look it up on the Internet : -) Just give me your best take on it please.
Thanks so much for engaging on this : -) You raise so many interesting points.
I can see that we are always in danger of overly framing the perception of our learners and thereby placing limitations upon their learning, but of course you have to start somewhere. Also liked your reference to the level of focus on 'tools' and 'learning' and the consequences of such a focus.
When students take responsibility for their learning, they become active learners who are taking responsibility for developing their own knowledge and understanding. In the context of learning and teaching a few important aspects to consider might be:
What is the learning focus?
How will this be achieved?
How may the learning be demonstrated?
I’m sure that a PBL approach is a useful tool in the learning compendium.
Thanks again Sara.............I would be deligthed to see other contributions.
Published
by Glenn Behenna, Programme Director/Lecturer at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Business School)
Sounds good! For me barriers to developing effective problem based learning sit partially with the student, partially with the learning designer and partially with the culture of the university they are studying in...there's probably other factors but those are the first that spring to mind. I'm particulalry interested in how students approach problem based learning. Ok so most of us can recall a time in our professional and personal lives when we resolved or overcame a problem. When a successful outcome was achieved were we ever solely responsible for that and how did we go about resolving the problem, using what skills? I'm wondering whether as learning designers we focus our energy on the problem to be resolved. So we spend time on creating real or virtual problems and we develop high levels of understanding in our students around the tools and techniques available to them to resolve these problems. I'm wondering whether we start with skills and then say 'oh and by the way here's some tools you could use but you'll need those skills'.
For example, I've observed in organisations some really bad action learning sets being used in attempt to solve really complex problems, I've also observed some amazing action learning sets which have transformed behaviours and situations. Ok so what's the difference between 'good' and 'bad' action learning sets? I think it always comes down to skills. Are action learning set participants aware of the skills required and have they been given the opportunity to grow these?
So what skills do people use to solve problems?...my own personal top 5:
1) thinking beyond the immediate situation
2) questioning to gain insight and listening to empathise and understand
3) giving and receiving feedback (and I mean really receiving feedback!)
4) being action focused
5) being reflective and resilient
Anyway lots of stuff I'm wondering about PBL and interested to know how others are incorporating it into their sessions/assignments.
Published
by Sara Mills, Lecturer and Programme Director CIPD Post Graduate at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Swansea Business School)