Guide 103
An overview of PBL and EBL and the Library contribution
What is Enquiry based learning?
Enquiry based learning and information skills
Information skills for PBL students – Pilot
Needmore information?
{H2 What is Enquiry Based Learning?}
Within an EBL environment, learning is centred on the student and driven by enquiry.
Students work in small groups, with a member of staff as group facilitator. They are
presented with a scenario which acts as a starting point and generates questions and issues.
Scenarios can be problems, triggers or real life situations. Students apply their existing
knowledge to the scenario and identify gaps in their own knowledge. They then undertake
independent, self-directed information seeking.
Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) covers a range of approaches including Problem Based
Learning (PBL) and large class projects.
{MEDIUM EMPH E B L}
{MEDIUM EMPH P B Lg}
{MEDIUM EMPH large class projects}
How is it different from a traditional curriculum?
{Table}
Traditional Curriculum
{NUMBERED LIST}
1. Separates theory
& application.
2. Encourages
students to
compartmentalise
knowledge.
3. Emphasis on
memorising by
rote.
Vs
Enquiry Based Learning
{NUMBERED LIST}
1. Provides basis for
life-long learning
2. Encourages
students to
develop critical &
active learning
skills
3. Learning for
capability
{MEDIUM EMPH How does a problem or trigger work?}
Below is a example of a PBL trigger currently used in the M.sc. Ultrasound.
It is the first problem students are given.
{MEDIUM EMPH Flashy Runners}
Students are given a brown paper bag. Technology of Ultrasound is written on the bag. In
the bag is a pair of children’s runners. The heel of the runners light up with each step.
{IMAGE}
{CAPTION} Flashy runners to show how PBL works
{ALT TEXT} Image of flashy runners
{MEDIUM EMPH Purpose of the trigger}
The purpose of the trigger is to introduce students to the technology of ultrasound.
The energy in the runners that lights the bulb is similar to the energy in an
ultrasound beam
H2 EBL and Information Skills
Within an EBL environment students are expected to undergo independent, self-directed
information seeking and learning.
There are no recommended reading lists and it is therefore assumed that students are
gathering information from different sources.
In comparison to traditional students, EBL students:
{BULLETED LIST}
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use the library more frequently and for longer periods
use a wider variety of resources
acquire information seeking skills earlier
choose sources that are typical of independent learners
ask more complex questions at the reference desk
show greater ease in locating information
{IMAGE}
{CAPTION} Information skills required for EBL
{ALT TEXT} Diagram showing information skills required for EBL
{H2 More Information}
The Library can provide a variety of {GLOSSARY Information Skills} sessions for students
studying PBL modules. The following types of sessions can be delivered:
{BULLETED LIST}
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Workshop approach
Problem approach
Fixed resource session
{MEDIUM EMPH Workshop approach}
{Bulleted list}
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Students working in groups on their PBL problem
Librarians guide them through resources of relevance to the problem
Groups search for information again
{MEDIUM EMPH Problem approach}
{Bulleted list}


Students are given an information seeking trigger or problem
They uncover Information Skills as learning outcomes
{MEDIUM EMPH Fixed Resource session}
{Bulleted list}

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Requested by students taking a PBL module
Focused on a particular area of information literacy that the students report having
difficulties with