subject: Problem Based Learning [print this page] Problem Based Learning. Problem Based Learning.
Teaching Management concepts needs a different approach from that of other disciplines. Management concepts need a practical approach to make it more effective. To give more emphasis on the realistic view to the theories taught in the class room, it needs to be virtually applied. This concept is made use of in the mew methodology called Problem Based Learning.
Problem Based Learning is a student centred, instructional strategy in which students collaboratively solve problems and reflects on their experiences. In this method learning is driven by challenging open ended problems. The students work in small collaborative groups .Teachers take the role of "Facilitators" of learning.
Students are encouraged to take responsibility of their groups and direct the learning process with the support from tutor. This system fosters the development of communication, problem solving, self direction learning skill. This system is an exiting alternative to traditional classroom learning.
Benefits of Problem Based Learning:
The following are the advantages of Problem Based Learning system:
Examine and try out what the students know.
Discover what is to be learnt.
Develop people skills for achieving high performance in teams.
Improve communication skills
State and defend positions with evidence and sound arguments.
Flexible in processing information.
Practice skills needed after education.
Develops creative thinking skills.
Provides a 360 degree approach to learning.
Steps to be adopted in Problem Based Learning:
The following steps are used in the Problem Based learning:
Explore the issues:
The faculty gives an ill- structured problem .The students should discuss this problem and list out the significant parts of the problem.
List out what you know:
Students conduct a team discussion and decide what they know about the problem and the issues. They can conduct a SWOT analysis. The opinions of all team members are to be sought in this step.
Develop and write out the problem statement in own words:
The points discussed can be written and made into a statement. The feedback from the tutor can be obtained here. The team members have to agree in the statement.
List out possible solutions:
The team can now list out the possible ways in which to solve the problem in hand.
List the actions to be taken within a timeline:
This step requires a ranking to determine the most important steps and actions to be taken.
List what you need to know:
Here the possible things to know more about the problem and its solution are noted. The resources to collect this information are also noted.
Write up the solution with supporting documents and submit to the tutor.
Review the team performance.
Celebrate your work.
This approach keeps a constant flow going between the teacher and the student and gives the students immediate feedback
Thus the main activities for a faculty in conducting a Problem Based Learning are :
Form a student group.
Students preparation Giving them a problem
Tutorial 1 (Buliding the group process ,and giving concepts dealt in the problem)
Self directed learning
Tutorial 2 (the bridging the processing skills-guiding the students with more explanation about concepts and solutions for the problems)
