Barbara J. Duch, Susan E. Groh, Deborah E. Allen.
The Power of Problem-Based Learning: a practical "how to" for teaching undergraduate courses in any discipline.
Stylus. 2001
The University of Delaware is recognized internationally as a center of excellence in the use and development of PBL. This book presents the cumulative knowledge and practical experience acquired over nearly a decade of integrating PBL in courses in a wide range of disciplines.
This is the first “how to” book specifically written for college and university faculty. It focuses on the practical questions which anyone wishing to embark on PBL will want to know: “Where do I start?” — “How do you find problems?” — “What do I need to know about managing groups?” — “How do you grade in a PBL course?”
The book opens by outlining how the PBL program was developed at the University of Delaware—covering such issues as faculty mentoring and institutional support—to offer a model for implementation for other institutions.
The authors then address the practical questions involved in course transformation and planning for effective problem-based instruction, including writing problems, using the Internet, strategies for using groups, the use of peer tutors and assessment. They conclude with case studies from a variety of disciplines, including biochemistry, pre-law, physics, nursing, chemistry, political science and teacher education.
This introduction for faculty, department chairs and faculty developers will assist them to successfully harness this powerful process to improve learning outcomes.