Managing problem-based learning: Challenges and solutions for educational practice

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional method in which students work in collaborative groups to identify what they need to learn through facilitated problem solving. PBL can be very challenging to implement, as it requires a lot of planning and hard work. This qualitative research reports on the challenges in practicing PBL at one local institute in Malaysia. Data was collected using interviews and focus group involving one teacher and ten students’. Findings show that work overload, lack of training, role changes, wide curriculum coverage, attitudes and inadequate resources are some of the challenges identified. Most often the problems are not exhaustive, but if they are not dealt with, they may undermine the benefits that PBL offers. A survey type of research is foreseeable involving other PBL practitioners, in order to identify which problems pose the greatest challenge and thus address these problems.