Good Practice

Problem-Based Learning

What is Problem-Based Learning (PBL)?

PBL is a pathway to better learning, helping students to learn how to learn. This method challenges students to develop the ability to think critically, analyze problems, find and use appropriate learning resources.

PBL is a learner-centered educational method. Learners are progressively given more and more responsibility for their own education and become increasingly independent of the teacher for their education.

PBL is based on real world problems. Learning is based on the messy, complex problems encountered in the real world as a stimulus for learning and for integrating and organizing learned information in ways that will ensure its recall and application to future problems.

PBL is a motivating way to learn. Learners are involved in active learning, working with real problems and what they have to learn in their study is seen as important and relevant to their own lives.