Renewed Roles for Librarians in Problem-Based Learning in the Medical Curriculum

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a teaching-learning process or method of instruction that is widely used in medical education curricula. Librarians play important roles as facilitators for PBL as well as guides for information resources. Involvement in PBL activities presents unique opportunities to incorporate library resources and instruction into the medical curriculum. This article reviews the problem-based learning method within the conceptual framework of the learning theory of constructivism. It describes how a medical librarian at a U.S. medical school used emerging technologies to facilitate PBL small group case discussions, guide students to quality information resources, and enhance the learning environment for the PBL process.

KEYWORDS:

• Constructivism
• emerging technologies
• health sciences libraries
• information resources
• learning theory
• medical education
• medical librarians
• medical students
• PBL
• problem-based learning
• small group discussion
• Web 2.0