Teaching method

Problem-Based Learning

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a method that is based on the idea that the student plays an active role in the learning process (student-centered education). It is not about lecturing with the purpose of information transfer (as is the case in traditional educational systems). Instead, the aim is to stimulate the active participation of the student in small educational groups. Often, it is not the teacher who explains the study materials but the students themselves.

This student-centered approach stems from the constructivist vision on learning which states that the best way to deal with information is to actively construct knowledge instead of passively consuming it.

With Problem-Based Learning, you have a couple of collective lectures during which students listen to their lecturers. The tutorials are at the core of the PBL method. During the tutorials students search for information which they subsequently discuss in small groups. The student uses his or her own knowledge as a basis for acquiring new knowledge. On average, there are twelve contact hours per week. This time is distributed over lectures, small group tutorial meetings and practical training. Students spend a large part of their time on self-study and resolving the problem (individually or in groups). Most students spend approximately 40 hours per week on their studies.

Watch the video below and learn more about the Problem-Based Learning method.