Frequently Asked Questions about Problem Based Learning

Overview

This Frequently Asked Questions area of the portal seeks to answer the most of your questions. If you can't find the answer here simply email our coordinator and they will reply (usually within 24 hours).

As time goes on we would expect this page to increase in size. Initially, we will list the questions chronologically, but intend to introduce a search function if the number of questions becomes too large.

We will be relying on the users of this site to email us the questions they would like answered

Question

Answer

How much content can I cover in a PBL course when compared with the standard lecture and tutorials

Comparative research conducted in a higher education context shows that students can sometimes cover as much content but often less . However when you contrast this with how much graduates remember of the content at the point of graduation, the PBL students show significantly better retention (Farnsworth, 1994).

How can I use PBL in classes spread across multi-campus and student numbers greater than 1000.

PBL is every bit as scalable as traditional methods of education. At the core lies a carefully constructed curriculum with comprehensive tutor/coaching guides and high quality orientation program for the coaches/tutors.

The fact that PBL uses small groups (typically 5 to 7) just means that the coaches need to manage and guide these groups.

In the early stages, however, your new PBL students will need additional support as they are coming to grips with this new pedagogy.

Farnsworth, C. C. (1994). Using computer simulations in problem-based learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Proceedings of the Thirty-fifth ADCIS Conference (pp. 137-140). Nashville, TN: Omni Press.
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