ERIC Number: EJ940100
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1449-9789
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Pros and Cons of Problem-Based Learning from the Teacher's Standpoint
Ribeiro, Luis Roberto C.
Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, v8 n1 Article 4 2011
This article focuses on a teacher's evaluation of an experiment with problem-based learning (PBL) and its effects on his professional development. This case study, of a descriptive-analytical nature, involved the collaboration between the researcher and teacher in the planning, implementation of PBL and, to some extent, analysis of results. Research data--collected via participant observation of classes and open-ended interviews with the teacher--were analyzed in light of the literature on PBL, teacher knowledge base, and professional development. Results indicate teacher satisfaction, but also point to higher class unpredictability and increased time/workload. PBL also seems to distribute teaching workload more evenly throughout the semester than traditional methods do. This hinders routinisation and constrains teachers' autonomy. On the other hand PBL appeared to foster the teacher's development of his teaching knowledge base, especially regarding the knowledge of students, their reasoning mode and interests. (Contains 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Teacher Characteristics, Participant Observation, Problem Based Learning, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Methods, Professional Development, Teaching Methods, Data Analysis, Interviews, Student Interests, Case Studies, Learning Processes
University of Wollongong. Available from: Centre for Educational Development and Interactive Resources. Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. Tel: +61-2-4221-3140; Fax: +61-2-4225-8312; e-mail: jutlp@uow.edu.au; Web site: http://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A