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Theory to reality: a few issues in implementing problem-based learning

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Abstract

The success of an intervention depends not only upon its theoretical soundness, but also on proper implementation that reflects the guidelines derived from its theoretical conception. Debates surrounding the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) have focused on its theoretical conception and students’ learning outcomes, but implementation is seemingly absent from the picture. This paper attempts to describe what research evidence is needed to fill in this missing information and provide a clearer picture of PBL. The author examines current PBL implementation practices and identifies potentially confounding variables that may play a role in inconsistent or conflicting research results in PBL. For example, various models of PBL have been developed and implemented to afford the specific instructional needs of the institution or learner population. These PBL models are in fact quite different in terms of the nature of problem solving and the degrees of self-directed learning, which theoretically, should result in different types of learning outcomes. Without distinguishing the models used, the results of comparative PBL research could have been confounded. Furthermore, human factors are another set of confounding variables that could influence the students’ learning processes and consequently affect PBL implementations and research results. To remedy these problems and reach PBL’s full potential, as well as obtain a more accurate picture of PBL as an instructional method and its effects on students’ learning, some fundamental changes are needed.

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Notes

  1. These evaluations were conducted largely in a medical education context because a limited number of systematic or large-scale PBL curricula have been implemented in nonmedical higher education and K-12 settings (Ertmer and Simons 2006; Hmelo-Silver 2004). Therefore, the number of systematic PBL program evaluations conducted and published outside of the medical education field is limited. Nevertheless, these PBL program evaluations could provide useful implications to be applied across different education disciplines and levels.

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    Woei Hung

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Hung, W. Theory to reality: a few issues in implementing problem-based learning. Education Tech Research Dev 59, 529–552 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-011-9198-1

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