Problem-based learning: Student learning experiences and outcomes

AbstractThe aim of this article is to examine processes occurring within problem-based learning (PBL) courses (inside the black box) by contrasting these processes with outcome-based studies (from outside the black box). We review meta-analyses of input–output studies of PBL in comparison with traditional approaches and provide a summary of qualitative, phenomenographic and factor analytic analyses of student experiences when studying health sciences (dentistry and medicine) using PBL curricula. Results from meta-analyses showed PBL courses were preferred for the long-term retention of course content, short-term retention involving elaboration of new information and the application of clinical skills and reasoning. Traditional approaches were favoured for short-term retention of course content that did not require any elaboration. The qualitative studies reveal a diversity of student views about the concept of PBL pedagogy and approaches to learning in PBL curricula. They show that the ways in which stude...