Problem-based Learning
ACTIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES
What is Problem-based Learning?
Problem-based learning (PBL) is the use of real-life and illstructured scenarios as starting materials.
These scenarios are often complex and generally have
multiple responses.
The focus is not on assigning readings, providing lectures or
walking learners through a solution.
The learner is actively engaged in problem-formulation,
information seeking and actual problem solving.
University of the West Indies Open Campus
2
Why is PBL associated with Active Learning?
Provides authentic
applications of
content & skills
University of the West Indies Open Campus
3
Using Problem-based Learning (PBL)
4
 Apply within a single-
subject area rather than
a multi-disciplinary area
 Make use of case studies
or fictitious scenarios for
“ill-structured” problems
University of the West Indies Open Campus
Yes, there is a difference.
5
Problem-based Learning
Project-based Learning
 Learner-centered
 Teacher-centered
 Learners identify the
 Teacher identifies the
problem
 Learners lay out the
plan
 Learners create the
solution
problem
 Teacher lays out the
plan
 Teacher sets the end
product
University of the West Indies Open Campus
Problem-based Learning: A Process
6
NOT SURE HOW TO SET IT UP?
PBL TYPICALLY FOLLOWS PRESCRIBED STEPS
University of the West Indies Open Campus
7
The PBL Process
Larmer (2014)
prescribed six steps for
the PBL Process.
Will this work for you?
Try to use these steps as
a model for designing
PBL activities for your
course.
1
2
3
4
5
6
University of the West Indies Open Campus
• Presentation of an “ill-structured”
problem
• Problem Definition or Formulation
• Generation of a “knowledge
inventory”
• Generation of possible solutions
• Formulation of learning issues
• Sharing of findings and solutions
8
The PBL Process
[Sample]
The Higher
Education Academy
at King’s College
(UK) uses a 5 part
PBL process in its
Health Sciences
Programme.
Let’s take a look at
the different
components of its
model.
University of the West Indies Open Campus
9
#1 The Problem
REMEMBER
 Begin with a problematic situation that is
An ill-structured
problem is an openended or messy
problem that requires
more information than
is initially available to
your learners.
relevant to the area of study
 What media will you use? What scenario will be
used to briefly refer to a complex phenomenon?
 Call your learner’s attention to some important
details related to the scenario but don’t give it all
away.
Discover more:
University of the West Indies Open Campus
SAMPLE SCENARIO
10
IN THIS EXAMPLE WE HAVE STORYBOARDED
A PBL SCENARIO
University of the West Indies Open Campus
It was an ordinary Friday…
11
Jocelyn Saunders, aged 75, lives
alone with her nephew Stanley.
She attends the Springdale
Retirement Centre three times a
week. The Centre benefits from a
state-funded healthcare
programme. Jocelyn is in the early
stages of Alzheimer's Disease.
University of the West Indies Open Campus
Aunt Jocelyn settles into her routine but with one reminder
from Stanley
12
Stanley, aged 28, works as a
Tour Operator at one of the
Island's major hotels. Having a
place like the Springdale
Centre with its various facilities
and services is convenient and
economical as he is the sole
breadwinner in the household.
University of the West Indies Open Campus
After her regular blood sugar test, Jocelyn grows impatient
with the new doctor
13
Sandy is actually a 3rd year
Medical Student. As part of her
programme she is volunteering
at the Retirement Centre.
University of the West Indies Open Campus
During the examination...
14
When questioned further by
Sandy as to the possible
causes of the bruises, Mrs.
Saunders seems unaware of
the cause.
University of the West Indies Open Campus
Problem Identification > Reporting Back
Learners
identify clearly
what seems to
be the
problem.
Once they
agree, learners
list possible
explanations
of the
situations
reported
University of the West Indies Open Campus
Learners
clarify what
learning is
needed to
come up with a
solution
Learners
divide and
assign the
research &
work
When they
meet, each
learner/group
reports on the
progress with
the assigned
task
15
Reporting Back > Action Plan
16
Reporting on Research
Readiness to Report
Learners must decide if the
information they now have is
sufficient before moving to the
final stage.
University of the West Indies Open Campus
The Final Stage
The Action Plan is the formal conclusion of the PBL process.
Learners present their solution to the initial problem.
University of the West Indies Open Campus
17
Use PBL to promote Active Learning
18
As you move ahead in your Course Development remember:
“Problem-based Learning (PBL) is active learning with
particular relevance to the learning objectives; life is too
short and knowledge is too broad; learning must be
relevant to learners’ objectives in order to be effective
and efficient.” (Kwan, 2003)
University of the West Indies Open Campus
Additional Reading
19
J Larmer. (2014, Jan 6). Project-based learning vs. problem-based
learning vs. X-bl [Web log]. Retrieved from
http://http://www.edutopia.org/blog/pbl-vs-pbl-vs-xbl-john-larmer
Kwan, C.Y., (2003). What is problem-based learning (PBL)? It is
magic, myth and mindset. Center for Development of Teaching and
Learning. 3 (3). Available at:
http://www.cdtl.nus.edu.sg/brief/v3n3/default.htm
Stanford University (2001). Problem-based learning. Speaking of
Teaching Stanford University Newsletter on Teaching, Center for
Teaching and Learning, 11 (1).
University of the West Indies Open Campus