Revitalizing Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

We started talking about PBL today as an extension of our discussion on case-based learning. PBL is a vital part of the medical school curriculum and yet it does not hold the esteemed position with our student body that it likely deserves. Mention of PBL is, sadly, more often met with groans than not. How did PBL become a lacklustre chore when it has the capacity to be so much more – the bridge between basic knowledge and the intricacies of the clinical realm? How can we restore it to its rightful place?

During my experience as a student with PBL, some of the biggest challenges I have seen were achieving realism and following through with the PBL process. Factors like improbable patient names,  monotonous case readings, and lack of visual images, each small in their own right, together can detract from the authenticity of a case and hinder engagement. In terms of process, focusing too much on finding the “right” research questions, as defined by that infamous last sheet in the facilitator package, rather than actual knowledge gap needed for the case and “presenting” research findings rather than “operationalizing” this information limits the learning potential from the PBL format.

Overall, in a large class, PBL is a precious opportunity to learn directly from clinical teachers and work with our peers. If properly applied and appreciated, it can be a wonderful tool for knowledge translation. Medical Teacher has an excellent 12-tips series for everyone interested in improving the PBL process - medical students, faciliator, and administrator alike. Perhaps it would be possible to make PBL more than Powerful But Lacking.

1.           Azer S a. Challenges facing PBL tutors: 12 tips for successful group facilitation. [Internet]. Medical teacher 2005 Dec;27(8):676-81.[cited 2012 Jan 7] Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16451886

2.           Azer S a. Becoming a student in PBL course: twelve tips for successful group discussion. [Internet]. Medical teacher 2004 Feb;26(1):12-5.[cited 2011 Sep 6] Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14744687

3.           Azer S a. Introducing a problem-based learning program: 12 tips for success. [Internet]. Medical teacher 2011 Jan;33(10):808-813.[cited 2011 Oct 3] Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21942480

-Jenny