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Our current research interest is to introduce Problem – Based Learning (PBL) in student care centres.
Background
The medical faculty at McMaster University pioneered Problem-based Learning (PBL) in the 1960s as an innovative solution to make learning more relevant and effective. Since then, PBL approach in education has had proven success in many fields of studies in tertiary institution worldwide. In Singapore, tertiary institutions such as National University of Singapore (NUS), Republic Polytechnic (RP) and Temasek Polytechnic (TP) have embraced the use of PBL in their curriculum. PBL is also one of the School-based Curriculum Innovations (SCI) that Primary and Secondary Schools in Singapore can adopt as part of the Teach Less, Learn More (TLLM) Initiative by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Why PBL?
In this new era, information is readily available. However, information only becomes knowledge if one can process it and use it to solve real problems. We also believe that students learn best if they can see the relevance of what they are learning. We are not advocating the total replacement of conventional teacher-centred methods with PBL. Our aim is to collaborate with schools to promote problem solving skills in the students, with the ultimate goal of having life long learners who are also problem solvers.
Some of the characteristics of PBL include;
- Application of prior knowledge in resolving real – life problems
- Ability to identify and transform relevant information into knowledge to solve problems
- Group learning – promote peer learning and development of social skills
- Self – directed learning. Students learn because they want to
- There are no model answers – students are encouraged to present their solutions with justifications
- Promotion of articulation and presentation skills
If you are interested in working with us to develop PBL in your school, contact us now!
Read more about our student care centres in school premises here.
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