What is PBL?

Purpose of this Site

What is PBL?

Why PBL?

Theory
Research

PBL in the classroom

Group Dynamics

Individual Roles

Role of instructor

How to do PBL

Example Problems

Resources

Schools using PBL

PBL at Stanford

PBL Organizations

Ways to learn PBL

A Little Historical Background

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a curriculum development and
delivery system that recognizes the need to develop problem solving skills as well as the necessity of helping students to acquire necessary knowledge and skills.

The first application of PBL, and perhaps the most strict and pure form of PBL, was in medical schools which rigorously test the knowledge base of graduates. Medical professionals need to keep up with new information in their field, and the skill of life-long learning is particularly important for them. Hence, PBL was thought to be well suited for this area.

Many medical and professional schools, as well as undergraduate and graduate programs use PBL in some form, at varying capacities internationally. For more information about a few schools that use, implement, and support PBL endeavors can be found in Schools that practice PBL.

There are several organizations that provide support for teachers and students of PBL and others that research PBL and related topics. More information about these organizations can be found in Resources, PBL Organizations, and Ways to learn PBL methods.

The next page gives an overview of PBL and its characteristics.