Abstract
This chapter reviews student perspectives on PBL and the uses of this model in higher education. The chapter begins with various definitions of PBL and how this model has evolved over the years. The benefits of PBL in various domains and how this model has shown to increase communication among students and academic performance will be shown. The chapter then continues with research on studies based on student perceptions of PBL within the various disciplines of study. Academic performance in higher education through the use of PBL is also discussed. Finally, the chapter concludes with an overview of professional skills that students learn using the PBL model, and an increase in academic performance will also be reviewed.
TopDefinitions Of Pbl
There are many definitions of PBL. A broad, comprehensive definition was offered by Anna Kwan (2009), who stated that it is a “total education strategy based on the principle of using real-world problems as a starting point for the acquisition and integration of new knowledge” (p.91). Barrows and Tamblyn (1980) defined PBL as the “learning that results from the process of working toward the understanding or resolution of a problem” (p. 18), with the guidance of a tutor or faculty member. PBL is an experiential process designed to allow students to engage with “wicked, messy, complex problems” they will face in the real world after completion of their college courses (Wynn & Okie, 2017; Torp & Sage, 2002; Hmelo-Silver, 2004). The process moves away from a course context where the faculty member is the “sage on the stage” to one where learners and the instructor engage in mutual or joint exploration of a problem. It requires a nurturing, supportive environment (Holmes, 2020). The PBL process requires students to engage in advanced thinking and higher order thinking skills, requires reflection on their work and also requires a high level of self-direction (Wynn & Okie, 2017).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Professional Skills: A set of abilities that can help one succeed within their job based on habits and personality traits.
Medical Education: Medical education that is related to the practice of becoming a medical practitioner.
Perceptions: A way of understanding, interpreting, or becoming aware of something through the senses.
Clinical Settings: Unique and complex learning environment where students are evaluated based on their performance in real-life situations with real patients.
Theoretical Learning: Change in behavior brought about as consequence of experience and learning acquisition of new behaviors.