This document compares Problem Based Learning (PBL) and Case Based Learning (CBL). PBL uses open inquiry with no pre-reading, while CBL provides pre-reading material and has the facilitator take a more active role. A study was conducted shifting two medical schools from PBL to CBL over 2-3 years. Students and faculty largely preferred CBL as it kept learning relevant and enhanced clinical skills with less busy work, though some faculty felt PBL better enhanced problem solving and self-directed learning.

1. Difference between
Problem Based Learning
(PBL) and
Case Based Learning (CBL)
By: Dr. Izza Umbrin

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
 Understand Case Based Learning CBL
 Understand Problem Based Learning PBL
 Elaborate differences between CBL and PBL

3. Academic Medicine, Vol. 82, No. 1 / January 2007
Comparing Problem-Based Learning with
Case-Based Learning: Effects of a Major
Curricular Shift at Two Institutions
 Shift of PBL to CBL in The University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
(UCD) and the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of
Medicine at UCLA (UCLA)
 10 months research and then shifted to other model, over 2 to 3 years
 Learners had at least 1 year experience with PBL

4.  286/348 students responded
 31 faculty members responded
 Each group had 7 to 9 learners, and 2 faculty members; a clinical faculty and a
mental health faculty
 Faculty was trained for both PBL and CBL
 2-3 hours session,15 to 25 total sessions. (30 mins for SP)
 24-item questionnaire

5. Background Of Problem Based Learning (PBL)
Problem
(clinical case)
Explore case
(brain storming)
Self directed learning
Group discussion
& conclusion
Facilitator’s
Role
Is
PASSIVE

6. Background of Case Based Learning (CBL)
Prior reading
Problem
(clinical cases, SP, video tapes)
Seek outside sources of
information and
Case discussion
Learners interview SP with time-outs
Facilitator’s
role
Is
ACTIVE

7. Differences between CBL & PBL
CBL PBL
Method Guided inquiry Open inquiry
Pre reading material Provided Not provided
Faculty advance
yes Yes
preparation
Role of facilitator Active
Uses guiding questions
Moderate loud learners
Provide feedback
Passive
Don't guide discussion even
when learner explore
tangents
Interaction with faculty less more
Skills learned clinical Problem solving

8. Differences between CBL & PBL
CBL PBL
Post session work Less More (include work
without benefit)
Learning curiosity No yes
conclusion Correct May be false
Self directed learning Less More ( may not be
relevant)
Listening skills less more

9. Results:
No advantage of CBL:
5% students and faculty
No advantage of PBL:
23% students
3% faculty
In favor of CBL:
UCLA:
90% students
78% faculty
UCD:
85% students
100% faculty

10. Conclusion
 CBL was preferred because it is structured approach. it keeps the learning
relevant (by providing pre reading material) and enhances clinical skills. There’s
less busy work. Facilitators participate actively and lead learners towards learning
objectives .
 Advantages of PBL identified majorly by faculty are that it enhances problem
solving and self-directed learning

11. Which method produces
better physicians?????

12. THANKYOU

13. QUESTIONS?????