Challenging our own attitudes

Problem based learning (PBL) is an instructional method based on the use of authentic or real world problems which can foster discussion, challenge attitudes and facilitate mutual consideration.

Within the framework of PBL, participants (teachers, student-teachers, school psychiatrists, teaching assistants, parents…) work collaboratively in small groups in order to reflect on these problems and to collectively generate solutions.

The course convenor (teacher educator, lecturer, instructor…) acts as a facilitator in the process, providing multiple sources of information and support to the different groups.

PBL has been highlighted as a practice which engages participants in critical reflection and promotes active learning.