Problem-based learning in initial teacher education: taking the agenda forward

Problem-based learning (PBL) is not new; in one form or another, it has been around for considerable time. Indeed, as Menon (1997) points out, it may be seen as originating with Dewey at the turn of the century. In this article I examine definitions of PBL, and some of the challenges and problems it presents. I look at the evolution of PBL, and some of the applications of this methodology - together with some of the detailed research which has been undertaken in this field. I also discuss the current United Kingdom models of initial teacher education, outline possible uses of PBL in this area, and describe research carried out in the University of Glasgow. Finally, I provide some discussion about the applicability of PBL in the area of initial teacher education.

[1]  L. Berkson.  Problem‐based learning: have the expectations been met? , 1993, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[2]  D. Kember,et al.  An Implementation of Active Learning and its Effect on the Quality of Student Learning , 2000 .

[3]  Tony Harland,et al.  Moving Towards Problem‐based Learning , 1998 .

[4]  G. Maudsley,et al.  Do we all mean the same thing by "problem-based learning"? A review of the concepts and a formulation of the ground rules. , 1999, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[5]  D. Kaufman,et al.  Tutoring in problem‐based learning: a teacher development process , 1994, Medical education.

[6]  L. Wilkerson,et al.  Effects of tutors with subject expertise on the problem‐based tutorial process , 1991, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[7]  Virginia Richardson,et al.  Constructivist Teacher Education : Building a World of New Understandings , 2005 .

[8]  W. Humes,et al.  Teacher education and teacher development: a comparative study , 1998 .

[9]  D. T. Vernon,et al.  Does problem‐based learning work? A meta‐analysis of evaluative research , 1993, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[10]  P. Harasym,et al.  Medical curriculum reform in North America, 1765 to the present: a cognitive science perspective. , 1999, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[11]  I. Dizenhuz,et al.  TEACHING ABOUT TEACHING , 1973 .

[12]  Protocol Analysis as a Fruitful Tool for a Problem Posing Teacher Education , 1997 .

[13]  H S Barrows,et al.  The essentials of problem-based learning. , 1998, Journal of dental education.

[14]  Jim Parsons,et al.  Boldly Solving the World: A Critical Analysis of Problem-Based Learning as a Method of Professional Education. , 1998 .

[15]  G. Whitty,et al.  Teacher Education in Transition: Re-Forming Professionalism , 2000 .

[16]  John Laverack Taylor,et al.  Simulation in the Classroom , 1973 .

[17]  Diana H. J. M. Dolmans,et al.  Improving the effectiveness of tutors in problem-based learning , 1994 .

[18]  Ron Zemke,et al.  Adult Learning: What Do We Know for Sure?. , 1995 .

[19]  Christine Alavi,et al.  Problem-Based Learning in a Health Sciences Curriculum , 2002 .

[20]  Chris Beaumont,et al.  The Tutorial Process , 2006 .

[21]  M. Paine,et al.  Effects of expert and non‐expert facilitators on the small‐group process and on student performance , 1992, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[22]  Kt Lam.  Reflections on Problem-based Learning , 2009 .

[23]  Paul W. Rolph,et al.  Understanding mentoring : reflective strategies for school-based teacher preparation , 1996 .

[24]  G R Norman,et al.  Effectiveness of problem‐based learning curricula: theory, practice and paper darts , 2000, Medical education.

[25]  Cecilia Conrath,et al.  The Modern Practice of Adult Education, Andragogy versus Pedagogy, Malcolm S. Knowles. New York: Association Press, 1970. 376 pp. $12.95 Hardbound , 1971 .

[26]  K. Engle.  Problem-Based Learning: An Approach to Medical Education , 1981 .

[27]  S. Ball.  Intellectuals or technicians? The urgent role of theory in educational studies 1 , 1995 .

[28]  C. Griffin,et al.  The Theory and Practice of Learning , 1998 .

[29]  E. Bridges.  Problem-based learning for administrators , 1992 .

[30]  Teaching in a Problem-Based Course , 1994 .

[31]  W. Taylor,et al.  Teacher Education in Transition: Re-forming professionalism , 2000 .

[32]  Imogen Taylor,et al.  The challenge of problem-based learning , 1997 .

[33]  M. Albanese,et al.  Problem‐based Learning: A Review of Literature on Its Outcomes and Implementation Issues , 1993, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[34]  H. Schmidt.  Problem‐based learning: rationale and description , 1983, Medical education.

[35]  Donn Ritchie,et al.  Using multimedia to overcome the problems with problem based learning , 1997 .

[36]  David Carr,et al.  Questions of competence , 1993 .

[37]  M. Albanese,et al.  Problem‐based learning: why curricula are likely to show little effect on knowledge and clinical skills , 2000, Medical education.

[38]  J. Colliver.  Effectiveness of Problem‐based Learning Curricula: Research and Theory , 2000, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.