Customer Reviews

Facilitating Problem-Based Learning (SRHE)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been responsible for shifting the primary facilitation style from didactic instruction (classic lecture with some practice) to PBL (problem-based learning) in two large companies (both over 20K employees). Most of the resources available cover PBL in the context of a K-12 or Higher Education setting, rather than a corporate environment. While Maggi's book is still based in her Higher Education experience, this book transcends that context and contains information and strategies directly applicable to a corporate environment.

Even experienced facilitators have a problem grasping the philosophy of PBL, and are therefore prevented from achieving it in their classrooms. This is the first book I've come across to thoroughly distinguish Problem-Based Learning from Project-Based Learning, which is often mistaken for true PBL. The book then moves on to help guide trainers through the transformation from lecturer to facilitator. There are even some sections on performing assessments within a PBL curriculum and conducting virtual PBL sessions - both provide some very interesting ideas (I'll let you know how they work!).

Bottom line -- if you're responsible for designing PBL courses or curricula, facilitating PBL sessions, or even changing your school's or company's approach from lecture to PBL, buy this book.

So far I am two thirds of the way through and it still hasn't informed me how to Facilitate Problem - Based Learning. Written for academics by one, if you have a good dictionary you might be able to understand some of it. Disappointing.