What is Problem Based Learning?

When you walk into an average classroom setting, you will see that it most likely will not look any different today than it did several years ago. There will be the instructor who is droning on with his lecture, and students who are passively taking notes, if not daydreaming. This has become the accepted model of education in our society. Unfortunately, this is an ineffective method of learning and retaining information.

Studies have shown that no matter how engaging the teacher is, or how enthusiastic and well intentioned the student is, the time span for optimal attention and focus lasts only around fifteen minutes. Despite the long lecture, students do not retain much information. Current research suggests the best way to engage students is to “change it up” every fifteen minutes in order to restart the attention cycle. (1) What is the point of taking a class if you gain nothing from it?

Here at MK Education, we want our students to be successful in all aspects, both classroom setting and in real world application. Therefore we implement a teaching strategy called “problem-based learning.” Problem based learning is a method where students are forced to challenge themselves beyond memorizing technical information from a textbook. In this form of learning, students are given real world situations that they would encounter in a Pharmacy or a Veterinary clinic. They are challenged to mentally gather all the information they have learned and create a solution. PBL develops both knowledge and skills required in the discipline as well as problem solving strategies and practical information necessary to respond accurately on the job.

The defining characteristics of problem based learning include:

• Student centered learning: discussion is lead by students, they are challenged to work through problems on their own and create solutions by themselves.

• Small groups: students work together in small groups, reflecting the real world setting where students will be working with other professionals

• Teachers who act as facilitators rather than lecturers

• The focus of the group is revolved around solving a specific problem scenario

• The problem serves as a mechanism to develop problem solving and analytical skills

• Knowledge and information is thus gained through self directed learning

Problem based learning implements a revolutionary shift in education. The emphasis in our classroom is no longer on teaching and lecturing, but on our students actually learning. Through this method, students are engaged and motivated in ways they could not have been through rote memorization and note-taking. The instructor’s role is to facilitate student-led discussions by guiding and monitoring the process. This way, students are given the responsibility for their own learning which requires them to pay attention and focus on the task at hand.

Some benefits of problem solving learning include:

• Group work requires students to learn how to interact with others in the field. This develops professional skills needed on the job.

• Group work also forces students to expand their mindsets as they will be interacting with people who come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives.

• Problems given are aligned with real world concerns, such as “What would you do if a customer had a problem with his prescription?” The student is prepared to deal with such situations when he or she encounters them on the job.

• Students develop the confidence and level of comfort needed to succeed on the job

• Textbook knowledge is more easily retained when applied to relative situations

• Students are more motivated and challenged with student centered learning

• The method is grounded in solid, updated academic research and proven to maintain attention, drive motivation, and retain necessary knowledge and skills.

Through MK Education, we are confident that students will develop both the technical and analytical skills required on the job. In our interactive classrooms, we require more of our students than simply memorizing and regurgitating notes. We want our technicians to be able to use all of their skills and knowledge and be able to apply it to real life situations, so they will be successful throughout their professional careers.

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