Problem Based Learning

(PBL)
Hybrid Curricula
The SPICES model

Student-centred......Teacher-centred
Problem-based...Passive acquis.
Integrated.........Discipline-based
Community......Hospital-based
Early clinical exposure....Standardized
Systematic.........Opportunistic
What is problem-based learning?

A learning method based on the

principle of using problems as a
starting point for the acquisition and
integration of new knowledge.

H.S. Barrows, 1982

 PBL-tutorial

Basic medical sciences are learned through

the study of clinical problems
Small group tutorial (14-15 students)
Each session 3x50 minutes, 2-3 sessions/
week
Tutorials:
define and discuss integrated basic and
clinical science issues fundamental to the
case
Tutorial is the heart of PBL
 What Is Tutorial

Sequence of reasoning and learning

necessary to accomplish the learning
objectives (recognize present
knowledge, reasoning skills inquiry,
self directed learning integrate,
evaluate)
 What Is Tutorial
Sequence of changes in the tutors role
(modeling, coaching, fading)
Changes In The Groups Interpersonal
Behavior Over Time (Guarded Open
Conflict, Untolerable Behavior)
Traditional Tutor
Tutorial

Students
PBL Tutorial Tutor

Students
Elements of PBL Tutorial

Tutor

PBL
Tutorial
Process
Students Problem
Tutors Roles and Responsibilities

Characteristic of Good Tutor

Knowledge : goals of curriculum, the learning
objectives of the module, the available learning
resources, principles of assessment, and group
dynamics

Skills : facilitating learning, problem-solving,

critical thinking, group dynamics, assessment

Attitudes : guide on the side

Students Roles and Responsibilities

Problem solving
Self directed learning
Lifelong learning
Resource identification and evaluation
Critical reasoning
Creative thinking
 Transfer of learning to real-life situation
Incorporation of social and ethical aspects of
medicine
Cooperative and collaborative learning
Group leadership and communication skills
Identification of own strengths
 All participants have role to play

Scribe Tutor Chair Group member

Record points Encourage all group Lead the group Follow the steps of
made by group members to through the process the process in
participate Encourage all sequence
Help group order Assist chair with members to Participate in
their thoughts group dynamics and participate discussion
keeping to time Maintain group Listen to and respect
Participate in Check scribe keeps dynamics contributions of
discussion an accurate record Keep to time others
Prevent side-tracking Ensure group keeps Ask open questions
Record resources Ensure group to task in hand Research all the
used by groups achieves appropriate Ensure scribe can learning objectives
learning objectives keep up and is making Share information
Check understanding an accurate record with others
Assess performance
Characteristics of A Good Case

Appropriate degree of complexity for the

level of students
Motivating and interesting
Contains elements that refer to students
prior knowledge
 Leads to the student being able to fulfill the
learning objectives of the course
Leads to integration of basic and clinical
science to the practice of medicine
Well written, clear, and concise
Steps In PBL Tutorial
First Meeting
Introduction, create a condusive climate
Deal with the problem/ case
1. Presentation of the case
2. Identify the problem
3. Generate hypothesis
4. Probable mechanism
5. More information
6. Limit of knowledge (i dont know)
7. Identifying learning issue
8. Identifying learning resources
9. Self-directed learning
Steps In PBL Tutorial

Further meetings
1. Resource critique
2. Reassessment of the problem : application of
new knowledge to the problem and critique of
prior thinking and knowledge
3. Integration of what has been learned
4. Review of any unclear learning objectives,
evaluation
5. Summary
 STRUCTURE OF PBL
STEPS IN THE TUTORIAL PROCESS

Problem Hypotheses ? Mechanism ? More Info ? I dont know Learning

Issues

1. a. i. i.
b. ii. ii.
c.

2. a.
b.
c.

3.

4.