Experiences ofproblem based learning

with a large cohort – the students’ perspective

Lynda D. Rodwell

University of Plymouth

Education in a Changing Environment 6th International Conference, July 6th-8th 2011, University of Salford, U.K.

Finite planet

Conventional versus Ecological Economics

EcosystemExtraction

Waste

EconomyExtraction

Waste

Economy Ecosystem

Conventional Economics

EcologicalEconomics

Four problem themes

Emissions 4

Emissions 7

Case study: Brunel road Recycling Centre, Newton Abbot

Source: maps.google.com

Waste 1

Waste 3

Food 2

Choose sustainable food

for Plymouth!

Food 6

2012

Transport 3

Transport 4

PBL Negatives

PBL Positives

Can be applied to real life problems

Provides sense of achievement

and greater understanding

Opportunity to express and

discuss ideas

New way of learning and

thinking

More interactive way of learning

Developing and improving life

skills

Problem based learning -

positive themes

Google Docs

+ve

-ve

Number of references

Lessons learnt

•Timing is everything

Lessons learnt

•Collaborative writing tools can help

Lessons learnt

•Smaller group size

Conclusion

•Problem based learning is great but....

get it right