Problem Based Learning: Its Advantages, Current Situations and Future Development

Abstract

Since the traditional teaching method overemphasizes systematic learning knowledge and rote learning, students lack practical and knowledge exploration abilities. In addition, in traditional learning curriculum is taught in single or multiple disciplines. In this case, disciplines are isolated from each other, which is the reason why students may lack interdisciplinary ability. Judging from above, taught in traditional teaching mode, pupils perhaps are short of many higher-order abilities, and Problem Based Learning can overcome these shortcomings. Thus Problem Based Learning was implemented at McMaster University as an innovative teaching approach. Up to now, it has been applied in many schools. Using the mode of literature review, in this paper we review the concept, origin, and characteristics of Problem Based Learning. In addition, it also reflects the advantages compared to traditional teaching mode, teachers' tasks, dilemmas, and future prospects. By comparing Problem Based Learning with the traditional learning method, Problem Based Learning is found to perform better in four dimensions: teaching objectives, teaching methods, discipline linkage modes, and teaching achievements. Owing to its merits, it is a wider tendency to implement Problem Based Learning in more schools and classes. However, it still has some weaknesses in practical application: reticent culture, educators' preference to previous teaching custom, and lack of resource-intensive environment. More endeavors are needed to be taken in research to overcome these shortcomings. And in a future implementation, Problem Based Learning should be associated more closely with present practical problems, not confined to settled problems of textbooks. Keywords: The differences between PBL and traditional education and the advantages of PBL, Current Situation of PBL, Future Development of PBL.