Problem Based Learning (PBL): A Novel and Effective Tool of Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Recently a surge has been witnessed in number of new academic pharmacy institution establishing concern with quality of graduates passing out. Survey has also established the poor understanding of the health education among the students. Developed countries have formulated and successfully implemented new strategies to impart education to the current generation. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is one of the novel technique used in majority of health universities in US, UK and Asian countries. This has led to tremendous development in the quality of health science graduates. The process allows a group of student to discuss and solve a real life situation though discussion. It involves exposing a group of students to a trigger/case/problem asking the student to solve the trigger within a specified time through a defined process facilitated by a tutor. The student are allowed to go for self-study based on their discussion and allowed to meet again for second session after a week to solve the trigger. The student capability can be measured by the facilitator using a designed rubrics or any other evaluation strategies. This process have proved to enhance the soft skill, cognitive, metacognitive, problem solving and critical thinking skills among the students. The strategy also helps the students to work in group and develop a democratic attitude and to judge a problem based on consensus. Indian pharmacy colleges should adopt the system to install critical thinking ability among the students.

Keywords: Cognitive; Critical thinking; Facilitator; Problem Based Learning; Trigger