Thursday, May 22, 2008

Problem Based Learning

To the UCL Teaching and Learning Network meeting to hear four speakers discuss experiences of problem based learning. Nothing particularly e-/electronic about this one, quite a lot of eeeeh/curiosity. I went expecting some big theoretical stick to hit me, but it didn't. I'm evidently already doing a good wodge of PBL, and already know a bit about it, and could probably hold forth on Peer Assessment methods in particular more than is strictly necessary (please do contact me if you want to talk about Peer Assessment). UCL readers can explore more in the TLN Moodle, ask Phil Riding for the key if you haven't got one.

I'm struggling to define exactly what PBL is, and I suspect there's not going to be a clean universal definition, but here goes:
  • students explore a topic through a problem or case study
  • outputs are similar to real-world artefacts (proposals, plans etc)
  • there's an emphasis on application
  • the curriculum (list of knowledge to be gained) is tacit
  • knowledge scope depends on where the students go, as well as the scenario design
  • learning outcomes include transferable skills
There's quite a lot of Problem-based learning going on close to me, for example:
  • MSc Systems Engineering Management case study exercises (Formative only, Groups)
  • Project Management Project Plan Assignment (Summative, Groups)
  • Project Management Case Study exam question (Summative : exam conditions, Individual)
  • Dissertations (Summative, Individual)
  • MSc Space Sci/Tech Group project (Formative!, Groups)
There's also a moderate amount of Peer Assessment going on in the group projects talked about at UCL. A typical assessment structure goes:
  1. Group work artefact: 60%
  2. Individual piece/presentation/viva : 30%
  3. Peer assessment: 10%
I reckon the Peer assessment element is really useful tool to reinforce productive group behaviour, and the fact that it gives a mark that can differentiate students is a bonus. I used to think it was the other way round.

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