Get Your Head Around Problem Based Learning Ramesh Mehay

PBL – Aims of this Session What is It? What Is it For? What do you need Adv vs Disadv Have a go What do you think? Further information

Sophie could remember times when the teachers or her mother had tried to teach her things she hadn’t been receptive to.

And whenever she had really learned something, it was when she had somehow contributed to it herself. Jostein Gaarder. Sophie’s World

Lecture (lec’char;n.) Process by which the notes of a speaker become the notes of a student without passing through the minds of either. Academic period set aside for rest and recovery

The most important phrase in education is “I don’t know.”

PBL “uses problems or cases to identify learning issues.” What is it?

PBL. The process The Case / problem Discussion Identify learning issues Reflection Individual study Group study Review Discussion/mini-presentations ?More learning issues

The Problem/Case Registrar’s prior knowledge Contain cues Relevant context Integrate basic science concepts Interest, Discussion Self-directed learning. Learning objectives. Dolomans 1997, Effective Case Design, Medical Teacher

So What DO You Need? A Facilitator A Problem A Group 3 things

The group Should understand principles of PBL Appoint a reader Appoint a scribe R.O.P.E.S. Learning issues

Benefits to the Individual 1. Motivates learning 2. Develops clinical reasoning skills 3. Helps structure knowledge in the clinical context 4. Helps develop self learning skills Thomas 1997, Medical Education 4 areas of benefits

What else is so good about PBL? Better understanding of groups & gp dynamics Problem solving Negotiating Reflection Presentation & Research Skills Learning from each other Learner centred

What are You Thinking? PBL teaches less therefore there is less to remember anyway (Morgan 1995 BMJ Letter) Does not meet everybody’s needs “chatty” and unstructured

So, How Else Can I Convince You? Norman & Schmidt, 1987, Acad. Med. Little difference in exam results BUT What is learnt is both deeper and retention of knowledge is greater in PBL Caplow et al, 1997, Medical Education “enhances retention and thinking, rather than just memorising it”

So, What Are We Planning to Do ? To use it IN ADDITION to the other educational tools in the HDR because: fun relevant group discussion identify their own educational needs

The Sorts of thing PBL can be used for in the VTS Role play Consultation skills Clinical examination Clinical/managerial/ethical and business topics Group skills Presentational skills

Using PBL in Primary care Develops teamwork People learn about each other and their role Identifies issues in all areas Fosters better relations Clinical governance Risk management Audit

Why should I get involved with it? For your registrars For your practice (PDP’s) Pleasure It is popular Another new LIFELONG skill for YOU.

Further Information HEREFORD FACILITATORS PACKS (Dec O’Brien & Pat Downey) PBL – fpr GP Vocational Training PBL – for PHCT education PBL – for Practice Staff Training £50 per pack

Adult Learning Brookfields Principles of Adult Learning 1.Participation is voluntary 2.Mutual respect between teachers & learners 3.Collaboration is impt (learners & teachers) 4.Action & reflection should be a continuous process 5.Critical reflection brings invokes further exploration 6.Nurturing of self directed adults is impt.