Problem based learning in practice: understanding human water needs

Abstract

Undergraduate students are subject to increasing learning pressures relating to the amount, level and variety of reading and research they are required to undertake in relation to taught sessions and assignments.This paper outlines a problem-based learning exercise designed to facilitate a deeper and more managed understanding, while at the same time teaching students the importance of effective group working.To ensure validity of the teaching approach adopted, the core knowledge and professional values of the Higher Education Academy are discussed in relation to the developed learning exercise. It is concluded that the learning exercise developed is useful in promoting an in-depth and managed critical understanding, but that students still require guidance in relation to learning outcomes of the exercise and appropriate resource usage.The use of colleagues is cited as being an effective resource to utilise when reviewing the use of a PBL and attempting to increase its effectiveness as a learning approach.