International education scholars often theorise alternative models of knowledge work in the university. These imagine the transformation of teaching and learning and a more inclusive society. This article presents the case of a university in Denmark, where problem-oriented, interdisciplinary, collaborative project work has been the pedagogic norm…

Since its establishment in 1974, Aalborg University has aimed to deliver cutting-edge research and innovative practices in engineering education. However, increasing complexity related to rapid developments in digitalization and emerging societal challenges offer new opportunities, requirements, and expectations across disciplines for educational…

This paper conducts a theoretical exploration of the inquiry-problem in problem-oriented pedagogies. Specifically, the article draws on a critical reflection of the addition of a global and internationalisation dimension to the problem-oriented project learning (PPL) pedagogic model at Roskilde University in Denmark. While the tradition of PPL has…

In this article we discuss the contemporary conditions for running the Aalborg Problem Based Learning-model (PBL). We try to pinpoint key characteristics of these conditions emphasising Lyotard's conception of knowledge production referred to as the move towards a postmodern condition for knowledge. Through discussions of this alleged condition…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is widely recognized as a pedagogical approach across disciplines. However, the relevance and application of PBL in psychology has received limited attention. Therefore, this article presents a PBL-based master degree programme for psychologists. The article is divided into three sections. First, we present the…

Shifting from a traditional lecture-based teaching approach to a student-centred approach, such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), demands significant changes in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). It requires changes for teachers, students, institutional management, and even the physical learning environment. Once a university is not designed…

The article presents a theoretical elaboration of the potential relationship between the academic and artistic approaches within a problem-based educational setting. The investigation is based on Koestler's idea of the "bisociation" (blending) of dissimilar thinking and action matrices as the foundational mechanism of human creation in…

Medical education strives to foster effective education of medical students despite an ever-changing landscape in medicine. This article explores the utility of projects in problem-based learning--"project-PBL"--as a way to supplement traditional case-PBL. First, project-PBL may enhance student engagement and motivation by allowing them…

Introduction of a pedagogical concept, Kubus, in a problem oriented learning context--analysed within the framework of an activity system--indicates what might happen when offering tools tempting to influence and regulate students' learning approach and hereby neglecting the importance of existing habits and values. Introduction of this new…

Danish PBL-based higher education institutions espouse the qualities of problem-based projects but actual practice shows a somewhat different picture. The predominant use of project catalogues and the formal requirements imposed by accreditation inhibit central intentions behind problem-based project work and there is now a danger of employing the…

This paper describes how a circuits-based project-oriented problem-based learning educational model was integrated into the first year of a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering programme at Maynooth University, Ireland. While many variations of problem based learning exist, the presented model is closely aligned with the model used in…

How do architecture students experience the contradictions between the individual and the group at the Department of Architecture and Design of Aalborg University? The Problem-Based Learning model has been extensively applied to the department's degree programs in coherence with the Integrated Design Process, but is a group-based architecture and…

Since the 1970s, Aalborg University has been developing a new pedagogical model in higher education: The Project Oriented-Problem Based Learning (PO-PBL). In particular, the Faculty of Engineering and Science has developed a pedagogical proposal that introduces students to a different type of learning. One of the theoretical frameworks…

This article discusses practical and theoretical aspects related to PBL. In the first section of the article, potentials related to professional training of forthcoming educational psychologists following PBL-principles are analyzed. It is argued that PBL constitutes a good platform for creating stimulating interplays between theory and practice.…

The article contributes to the discussions on problem based learning and project work, building on and reflecting the experiences of the authors. Four perspectives are emphasized as central to a contemporary approach to problem- and project-based learning: the exploration of problems, projects as a method, online collaboration, and the dialogic…