New Approaches to Problem-Based Learning: Revitalizing Your Practice in Higher Education

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach that has the capacity to create vibrant and active learning environments in higher education. However, both experienced PBL practitioners and those new to PBL often find themselves looking for guidance on how to engage and energise a PBL curriculum. New Approaches to Problem-based Learning: Revitalising Your Practice in Higher Education provides that guidance from a range of different, complementary perspectives.

This is a professional guide that explores effective ways to initiate, design, develop, enhance and sustain (PBL) curricula in Higher Education environments. It will help Higher Education teachers, educators, education technologists, librarians and managers to explore how best to engage students using PBL. This book goes beyond a basic explanation of the PBL process and outlines from a variety of perspectives and disciplinary stances, the power, potential and practical possibilities of problem-based learning.

Leading practitioners in the field as well as new voices in PBL teaching and learning have collaborated to produce this text. Each chapter provides practical and experienced accounts of issues and ideas for PBL, as well as a strong theoretical and evidence base. Whether you are an experienced PBL practitioner, or new to the processes and principles of PBL, this book will help you to find ways of revitalising and enriching your practice and of enhancing the learning experience in a range of higher education contexts.

Terry Barrett is a Lecturer in Education Development at University College Dublin where she works with curriculum development teams to design, implement and research PBL initiatives in a range of disciplines.
Sarah Moore is Associate Vice President and Professor at the University of Limerick, where she adopts a strategic focus on optimising teaching and learning.