Publication Cover
Teacher Development
An international journal of teachers' professional development
Volume 10, 2006 - Issue 1
610
Views
19
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Students’ perceptions of problem‐based learning

&
Pages 105-116 | Published online: 22 Aug 2006
 

Abstract

Problem‐based learning has in recent times aroused keen curiosity due to its pedagogical orientation of facilitating students’ active construction of knowledge. As a curriculum model it is designed based upon the solving of either simulated or real‐life problems that generally tend to be ill‐structured and open‐ended. In such a model students are encouraged to become independent, self‐directed learners who determine their own learning outcomes. Against the backdrop of such an instructional setting, the teacher’s traditional role undergoes a paradigm shift from being authoritative to facilitative. The teacher now becomes situated as an active partner in the learning transactions by scaffolding the learning processes of the students at appropriate junctions. In this article the authors look at a study that the first‐named author conducted to elicit feedback from a class of 25 first‐year polytechnic tertiary students for the module of ‘cognitive processes and problem solving’. These students have been exposed to problem‐based learning methodologies throughout their entire curriculum for two semesters. This study identifies both the inherent strengths and limitations in implementing problem‐based learning modules at institution‐wide levels.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.