Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional method that presents students with real-world problems to solve. It develops critical thinking and self-directed learning skills. Key aspects of PBL include students working in small groups on an open-ended problem, with teachers acting as facilitators rather than lecturers. PBL aims to develop problem-solving, self-directed learning, collaboration, and integration of knowledge across different subject areas. Groups have assigned roles like leader, scribe, and members to keep discussions organized and on track. While PBL enhances skills like communication and lifelong learning, it also requires significant time and effort from both students and teachers.

2. DEFINITION
Problem- based learning (PBL) is the
basic human learning process that
allowed primitive man to survive in his
environment.
- Barrows& Tamblyn(1980)

3. Problem- based learning is a curriculum
development and instructional method
that place the students in an active role
as a problem solver confronted with ill-
structured real life situations.
-Bob Harrison(2007)

4. AIMS OF PBL
 PROBLEM SOLVING
 SELF DIRECTED LEARNING
 SMALL GROUP LEARNING
 CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
 INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF
CURRICULUM

5. Problem
PBL starts with
Problem and
Students have to
Find out what they
Need to know in order to solve it.

6. CHARACTERISTICS
 Learning is driven by challenging open-
ended questions
 Learning is student- centered
 Students works in small collaborative
groups
 Teacher takes on the role as a facilitator/
guide of learning.

7.  New information is acquired through self-
directed learning
 It helps the students to;
i. Acquire necessary knowledge and
skills
ii. Learn how to apply this method
iii. Become a lifelong learner

9. Savoy and Hughes recommended
the following actions for providing
PBL experiences to the students;

10.  Identify a problem suitable for the
students
 Connect the problem suitable for the
students
 Connect the problem with professional
practice.

11.  Organize the subject matter around the
problem
 Give students the responsibility for
defining their learning experiences and to
understand the problem.
 Encourage collaboration by creating
learning teams

12.  Expects all students to demonstrate
the results of their learning through a
product or performance.

13. GROUP MEMBERS
1. The group leader
2. The scribe
3. Tutor
4. The group members

14. a. Role of group leader
 Keeping the discussions goal-
oriented
 Guiding the PBL steps
 Clarifying discussions
 Stimulating participation
 Guiding documentation

15.  Argument mediator
 Motivator
 Equal participation completes
records
 Time gate keeper.

16. b. Role of the scribe
 Records the points
 Helps grounds to order their thoughts
 Participate in discussions
 Records resources used by the groups
 making clean and short notes

17.  Summarizing information
 External memory
 Not to be selective

18. c. Role of the tutor
 Encourages the groups to participate
 Assist chair with group dynamics and
keeping to time.
 Plays a key role in PBL
 Back born of the PBL
 Makes learning student- centered.

19.  Facilitates learning instead of
dispensing knowledge
 Guides never directs
 Committed to the group learning
 Active listening
 Must keep the process alive and on
the track by non- directive stimuli.

20.  Should be able to handle small groups
dynamics
 Manage and encourages students to
attain a deeper level of understanding
 To ensure all students are involved.

21. d. Role of the group
members
 Follows the steps of process in
sequences
 Participate in discussion
 Listen to and respect contribution of
others
 Ask open- ended questions.

22.  Active participation
 Answering questions
 Make decisions

23. ELEMENTS OF PBL
1. PROBLEM
ENCOUNTERED
2. ACTIVATES
THE PRIOR
KNOWLEDGE
3.
ENCOURAGES
SELF STUDY
4. INCREASES
RELEVENCE

24. ADVANTAGES
1. It promotes student learning
2. It creates interest and motivation among
students
3. It helps the students to apply learned
knowledge into practice
4. It’s a natural teaching method which
develops individualization.

25. 5. It encourages self learning
6. Helps in building team work and
collaboration
7. It develops complex problem solving
abilities and creative thinking
8. It makes learning enjoyable.

26. 9. It enhances learner’s
communication skills
10.Improves self expression and
presentation skills
11.It makes learning more permanent.

27. DISADVANTAGES
1. Very time consuming
2. Requires team’s dedicated efforts
3. Not all teachers can be good
facilitators; they may requires training
4. Assessing students in a team work is a
common issue.

28. 5. Tutors who enjoys passing on their
own knowledge and understanding
may find PBL facilitation difficult and
frustrating.