In problem-based learning students are responsible for their own learning process, which becomes evident when they must act independently, for example, when selecting literature resources for individual study. It is a matter of debate whether it is better to have students select their own literature resources or to present them with a list of…

Two studies investigated the importance of initial topic interest (i.e., expectation of interest) and tutors' autonomy-supportive or controlling instructional styles for students' motivation and performance in problem-based learning (PBL). In Study 1 (N = 93, a lab experiment), each student participated in a simulated group discussion in…

Investigated Dutch college students' motivation to commit themselves to studying in a problem-based health sciences curriculum, expressed in terms of levels of attendance at tutorial meetings. Data on functioning of the tutorial group, tutor functioning, prior knowledge level, quality of instructional problems, time spent on individual study,…

Problem-based learning is an approach to professional education that stresses the use of real life problems in education. This paper focuses attention to the commitment of students to engage in the problem-based learning process. Subjects, approximately 1,300 undergraduates in a health sciences curriculum, completed a questionnaire covering…

Review of experimental evidence concerning the effectiveness of problem-based learning suggests that the approach may not improve content-free problem solving; may initially reduce learning levels but fosters long-term retention; may enhance transfer of concepts and integration of concepts into clinical problems; enhances intrinsic interest of…