Collaborative Problem Based Learning - Student Perceptions of a Two-Hour Workshop Compared to a Two-Week Task

Price, K. and Welsh, M. (2019) Collaborative Problem Based Learning - Student Perceptions of a Two-Hour Workshop Compared to a Two-Week Task. Enhancing Student Learning Through Innovative Scholarship Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 18-19 Jul 2019. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Students’ experience of PBL in two formats was investigated. Working in collaborative groups, Human Biology students were given problems in a one hour workshop, followed by 12 days to investigate and report their findings back to the class. Comparison groups of Anatomy and Physiology students investigated similar problems and reported back within a single, two-hour workshop. Three cohorts of students participated. For the single workshop, the first two cohorts investigated different problems in their groups; the third cohort investigated different aspects of a single problem. Student opinions were investigated with a questionnaire. Students enjoyed both delivery methods, preferring the format they participated in. Students undertaking the two-week task had higher self-reported levels of understanding of the topic, confidence in the subject, as well as more enjoyment of the peer collaboration. For the single workshop, students enjoyed the peer collaboration and format less when a single topic was shared. The single workshop format significantly reduces time available for brainstorming, assimilation and reflection, which underpin the PBL process. However, it is not clear whether students undertaking investigation outside the classroom over a longer period spend more time investigating their questions, much of the additional time may be spent on preparing a presentation.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Unpublished
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Price, Dr Katherine and Welsh, Dr Michelle
• Authors: Price, K., and Welsh, M.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General); Q Science > QP Physiology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences

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