Introduction to Problem-Based Learning

1 Features of Problem-based Learning

1.1 Introduction

1.2 What is learning about?

1.3 Learning from and with each other

1.4 What do we know about the effectiveness of problem-based

learning?

1.5 Problem-based learning in an electronic environment

1.6 Skills in problem-based learning

2 Learning through problems

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Various types of problems for problem-based learning

2.3 Explanation problems

2.4 The seven-step method of working with explanation

problems

2.5 Strategy problems

2.6 Dilemma problems

2.7 Other types of problems

2.8 Variations in problem-based learning

2.9 Educational approaches related to problem-based learning

3 Collaborative learning in the tutorial group

3.1 Introduction

3.2 What is a tutorial group?

3.3 The importance of learning in small groups

3.4 Collaborative learning in a tutorial group

3.5 Some elementary characteristics of communication

3.6 Informal roles played out in the tutorial group

3.7 Formal roles played out in the tutorial group

4 Individual study skills

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Selecting learning resources

4.3 Studying texts

4.4 Making notes and diagrams

4.5 Studying texts in a foreign language

4.6 Recording your studies

4.7 Time management

4.8 Exams, finals and course assessment

4.9 Learning issues

4.10 Learning to learn

5 Skills required by tutorial group members

5.1 Introduction

5.2 The first meeting in a module

5.3 Providing and requesting information

5.4 Active listening

5.5 Making summaries

5.6 Taking notes

5.7 Evaluating tutorial group meetings

5.8 Giving and receiving feedback

Appendix: Tools to improve your skills as a tutorial group

member

1 Observation list: 'Being a tutorial group member'

2 A questionnaire for evaluating processes in tutorial

groups

3 Checklist: 'Skills of a tutorial group member'

6 Chairing a tutorial group meeting

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Taking turns

6.3 Some general points

6.4 The role of the discussion leader during the synthesis

phase

6.5 The role of the discussion leader during the analysis

phase

6.6 Stimulating a collaborative working atmosphere

6.7 Some final points

Appendix: Tools to improve your skills as a discussion

leader

1 Observation form 'Discussion leader functioning in the

synthesis phase'

2 Observation form 'Discussion leader functioning in the

analysis phase'

3 Checklist: Discussion leader skills

4 PROfessional Functioning in Teams (PROFiT)

Notes

Recommended literature

References

Index