Introduction to Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

Introduction to Problem-Based Learning and Team-Based Learning

• This is a course on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Team-Based Learning (TBL) for health professionals.
• It's part of a Fall 2024 course (MEDI 102) at Qatar University's College of Dental Medicine.
• The instructor is Mrs. Rula Shami, BSc. Pharm, MPH.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

• PBL is a learning method centered on problems, acting as a starting point for knowledge acquisition and integration.
• It involves contextualized, structured problems that students try to solve individually and in groups.
• PBL is an instructional strategy where students confront problems and seek solutions.
• Problems can be well-defined or ill-defined, meaning a goal is present but the means for achieving it isn't always clear.

Objectives of the Session

• Students will understand the concept of Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
• Students will identify the learning theories and instructional styles underlying PBL.
• Students will describe the process of a PBL session.
• Students will identify the roles and responsibilities of PBL group members.
• Students will reflect on the benefits of PBL.

PBL and Learning Theories: Adult Learning Theory

• Adult learning theory has six underlying assumptions: readiness to learn, experience, self-concept, orientation of learning, motivation to learn, reason to or goal to learn.
• Adults are independent and self-directing learners.
• Experience is a key factor in adult learning, as learners bring their past experiences into tasks or projects.
• Adults are more focused on immediate problems in their daily lives.
• Adults are more motivated by internal rather than external motivations.
• Adults value mutual respect.

PBL and Learning Theories: Constructivism

• Learning is an active process where students build meaning from their experiences by activating existing knowledge and building new conceptual knowledge frameworks.
• The teacher acts as a facilitator.

PBL and Traditional Learning

• Traditional learning is characterized by the teacher providing information and students memorizing it.
• PBL takes a non-linear approach with students finding and using knowledge that is relevant to a presented problem in different aspects to solve them.

PBL and Teaching Methodologies (Instructional Styles)

• Deductive Approach: The teacher explains the rule first, providing specific examples.
• Inductive Approach: The teacher presents specific examples first, letting students determine the rule.
  • This is often used in PBL settings.

General Principle and Deductive/Inductive Teaching Approaches

• The idea of diabetes complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease) is used as a general principle for deductive and inductive teaching examples.

PBL and Higher Order Thinking

• PBL goes beyond basic memorization, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving, using Bloom's Taxonomy in the process.
• It requires solving complex real-world healthcare problems.

PBL and Knowledge Integration

• Separating basic science and clinical components in traditional curricula weakens the transfer of knowledge to practical contexts.
• Students are less motivated due to a lack of connection between the information they learn and their future healthcare practices. A traditional curriculum structure is presented versus a more PBL-appropriate model.

Objectives and Benefits of PBL

• Aims to improve student knowledge, skills, and attitudes through a constructivist, active, student-centered approach and integration of knowledge.
• PBL develops desirable generic skills, including clinical reasoning, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as critical thinking and self-directed learning.
• Motivates students in learning as the teaching process becomes more enjoyable.

Process of PBL

• Learning starts with a problem presented to students, stimulating knowledge acquisition.
• Students work in small groups guided by a facilitator.
• Students spend time learning about the problem independently before coming together to brainstorm and discuss.

Members and Roles in PBL Sessions

• Scribe: Records points made by the group and orders thoughts.
• Tutor: Encourages participation, maintains dynamic, and ensures group keeps on task.
• Chair/Presenter: Leads the group, and takes group through the various stages of the learning process.
• Group Members: Follow the steps in the learning process, listen, respect contributions, research learning objectives, and share learning information.

PBL Case Types

• Trigger cases might include clinical scenarios, lab data, photographs, video clips, newspapers, journal articles, real patients, and family trees.

A Typical PBL Case Example

• Introduces Mary Smith, a 28-year-old with chest pain, difficulty breathing following swimming gala, and no recent physical trauma.
• A case presented to further knowledge exploration in PBL exercises.

PBL Process - Seven Steps

• There are seven steps to the PBL process: clarifying terms, defining the problem, analyzing the problem, summarizing, formulating learning objectives, independent study, and group discussion for reporting and sharing.
• These steps span two distinct sessions to allow for independent study and further knowledge building on the case.

Assessing the PBL Process

• PBL is assessed based on participation, preparation, interpersonal communication, the contribution to the group process, critical thinking, self-directed learning, and problem-solving.

A Good PBL Student Traits

• Familiar with the PBL process.
• Prompt and present during all sessions.
• Committed to self-directed learning.
• Actively participates in discussions.
• Contributes to a positive, constructive learning environment.
• Willing to evaluate themselves, their group, and the tutor.

In Few Words, Describe PBL

• PBL is a learning style based on the assumptions of adult learning, constructivism as a learning theory, and integration.
• It utilizes higher-order thinking in the delivery of the curriculum and uses a non-traditional, inductive approach to instruction.

Today's Learning Summary

• The session covered PBL concepts, relevant theories, PBL processes, structure, role, and benefits.