The Effects of Problem-Based Learning on Self-Directed Learning Skills among Physics Undergraduates

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of three methods: problem-based learning (PBL), PBL with lecture method, and conventional teaching on selfdirected learning skills among physics undergraduates. The actual sample size comprises of 122 students, who were selected randomly from the Physics Department, College of Education in Iraq. In this study, the pre- and post-test were done and the instruments were administered to the students for data collection. The data was analyzed and statistical results rejected null hypothesis of this study. This study revealed that there are no signifigant differences between PBL and PBL with lecture method, thus the PBL without or with lecture method enhances the self-directed learning skills better than the conventional teaching method.

[1]  L. Pelco,et al.  Teaching Research Methods to Undergraduate Psychology Students Using an Active Cooperative Learning Approach , 2006 .

[2]  Jana Bouwma-Gearhart,et al.  Student Misapplication of a Gas‐like Model to Explain Particle Movement in Heated Solids: Implications for curriculum and instruction towards students’ creation and revision of accurate explanatory models , 2009 .

[3]  Mehmet Şahin Exploring University Students’ Expectations and Beliefs about Physics and Physics Learning in a Problem-Based Learning Context , 2009 .

[4]  A. Osinubi,et al.  A Survey of Problem-based Learning and Traditional Methods of Teaching Anatomy to 200 Level Pharmacy Students of the University of Lagos, Nigeria , 2011 .

[5]  T. L. Davies,et al.  EDUCATION FOR HEALTH , 1944 .

[6]  Training,et al.  International handbook of education for the changing world of work : bridging academic and vocational learning , 2009 .

[7]  Kevin Downing,et al.  Impact of problem‐based learning on student experience and metacognitive development , 2011 .

[8]  Mehmet Sahin,et al.  The impact of problem-based learning on engineering students’ beliefs about physics and conceptual understanding of energy and momentum , 2010 .

[9]  David H. Jonassen,et al.  Handbook of Research for educational Communications and Technology , 1997 .

[10]  Ali Eryilmaz,et al.  Effectiveness of hands-on and minds-on activities on students' achievement and attitudes towards physics * , 2011 .

[11]  C. Hmelo‐Silver Problem-Based Learning: What and How Do Students Learn? , 2004 .

[12]  Michael J. Prince,et al.  Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research , 2004 .

[13]  Stephen Brookfield,et al.  Self-Directed Learning , 2009 .

[14]  Ronald L. Miller,et al.  Identifying and Repairing Students Misconceptions in Thermal and Transport Science , 2009 .

[15]  France Cheong,et al.  Using a Problem-Based Learning Approach to Teach an Intelligent Systems Course , 2008, J. Inf. Technol. Educ..

[16]  Helge I. Strømsø,et al.  Student learning strategies, mental models and learning outcomes in problem-based and traditional curricula in medicine , 2006, Medical teacher.

[17]  M. Fisher,et al.  Development of a self-directed learning readiness scale for nursing education. , 2001, Nurse education today.

[18]  M. Wong,et al.  The effects of problem-based learning during medical school on physician competency: a systematic review , 2008, Canadian Medical Association Journal.

[19]  Frances Deepwell,et al.  On campus, but out of class: an investigation into students’ experiences of learning technologies in their self-directed study , 2008 .

[20]  Özlem Sila Çakir Olgun Examining the Fifth Graders’ Understanding of Heat and Temperature Concepts Via Concept Mapping , 2008 .

[21]  Cees P M van der Vleuten,et al.  General competencies of problem‐based learning (PBL) and non‐PBL graduates , 2005, Medical education.

[22]  Eduardo Montero,et al.  Student Engagement in a Structured Problem-Based Approach to Learning: A First-Year Electronic Engineering Study Module on Heat Transfer , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[23]  Fauziah Sulaiman,et al.  Students ' Perceptions on the Suitability of Implementing an Online Problem-Based Learning in a Physics Course , 2011 .

[24]  J. Guilbert On the additional value of lectures in a problem-based curriculum. , 2006, Education for health.

[25]  A. Abraham,et al.  Quantitative evaluation of third year medical students' perception and satisfaction from problem based learning in anatomy: A pilot study of the introduction of problem based learning into the traditional didactic medical curriculum in Nigeria , 2010 .

[26]  David Evans The role of schools of public health: learning from history, looking to the future. , 2009, Journal of public health.

[27]  M. F. Tasar,et al.  Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education , 2008 .

[28]  J. Bell Introducing problem-based learning as a learning strategy for Masters students , 2012 .

[29]  L. Guglielmino Development of the self-directed learning readiness scale , 1977 .

[30]  Ömer Geban,et al.  Improving achievement through problem-based learning , 2006 .

[31]  Rodney Anthony Stewart,et al.  Investigating the link between self directed learning readiness and project-based learning outcomes: the case of international Masters students in an engineering management course , 2007 .

[32]  D. Allen,et al.  What is Problem-Based Learning? , 2006 .

[33]  T. Ballard,et al.  Incorporating a Modified Problem‐Based Learning Exercise in a Traditional Lecture and Lab‐Based Dairy Products Course , 2011 .

[34]  John M. Keller,et al.  The effect of using guided questions and collaborative groups for complex problem solving on performance and attitude in a web-enhanced learning environment , 2005 .

[35]  J. Michael Spector,et al.  Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology, 3rd Edition , 2012 .

[36]  K. Thornton Supporting Self-Directed Learning: A Framework for Teachers , 2010 .

[37]  S. Whitcombe Problem-Based Learning Students' Perceptions of Knowledge and Professional Identity: Occupational Therapists as ‘Knowers’ , 2013 .

[38]  Timothy O. Neild,et al.  Defining, measuring and maintaining the quality of problem-based learning , 2004 .

[39]  Karen Mann,et al.  What drives students’ self-directed learning in a hybrid PBL curriculum , 2010, Advances in health sciences education : theory and practice.

[40]  Priya Vijayan,et al.  Analysis of the psychological impact of Problem Based Learning (PBL) towards self directed learning among students in undergraduate medical education , 2010 .

[41]  Gill Livingston,et al.  The effectiveness of problem‐based learning compared to traditional teaching in undergraduate psychiatry , 2004, Medical education.

[42]  A. Kolmos,et al.  Problem Based Learning , 2007 .