PBL
The PBL curriculum
The series of problems encountered by learners with this process make up the curriculum. The problems are put together as a group to stimulate learning of content appropriate to the course. In the PBL process learners characteristically learn far more and in areas relevant to their personal needs.
The role of the PBL teacher
The principle role of the teacher in PBL is that of a facilitator or educational coach (often referred to in jargon of PBL as a "tutor") guiding the learners in the PBL process. As learners become more proficient in the PBL learning process the tutor becomes less active. This is a new skill for many teachers and specific training is required. (See workshops)
The learning group
Learning is ideally in small groups of 5 to 7 learners. As the group members work together to problem solve and learn they acquire collaborative or team learning skills. In some settings, as in secondary education, learner groups may initially be much larger (15-35). But techniques can be used to compensate for the disadvantages of such larger groups.