You are here:

Problem-based Learning in an Online Course: A case study
ARTICLE

, Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology at Iowa State University, USA. ; , Iowa State University

IRRODL Volume 6, Number 3, ISSN 1492-3831 Publisher: Athabasca University Press

Full Text

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) is the use of a “real world” problem or situation as a context for learning. The present study explores the use of PBL in an online biotechnology course. In the PBL unit, student groups dealt with the ethical, legal, social, and human issues surrounding pre-symptomatic DNA testing for a genetic disease. Issues concerning implementation of PBL in the online environment are discussed, as are differences between online PBL and face-to-face PBL. This study provides evidence to suggest that PBL stimulates higher-order learning in students. However, student performance on a lower-level exam testing acquisition of factual knowledge was slightly lower for PBL students than for students who learned the same material through a traditional lecture-based approach. Possible reasons for this lower level of performance are explored. Student reactions and feedback to the PBL format yield more insight into issues surrounding the implementation of PBL in the online environment. Keywords: problem-based learning, case-based learning, distance education, cooperative learning, genetic diseases, genetic testing, instructional design

Citation

Cheaney, J. & Ingebritsen, T. (2006). Problem-based Learning in an Online Course: A case study. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 6(3),. Athabasca University Press. Retrieved August 6, 2024 from .

References

View References & Citations Map
  1. Albanese, M.A., and Mitchell, S. (1993). Problem-based Learning: A review of literature on its outcomes and implementation issues. Academic Medicine 68, 52 – 81.
  2. Anderson, P., and Henley, I. (1994). Problem-based learning and the development of team skills in aviation studies. In S.E. Chen, R. Cowdroy, A. Kingsland, and M. Ostwald (Eds.), Reflections on Problem Based Learning (P. 319-345). Sydney: Australian Problem Based
  3. Boud, D.J. (1985). Problem-based learning in perspective. In Problem-Based Learning in Education for the Professions. Sydney: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.
  4. Bransford, J.D., and Schwartz, D.L. (1998). Rethinking transfer: A simple proposal with multiple implications. Review of Research in Education 2(4), 61 – 100.
  5. Broudy, H.S. (1976). Types of knowledge and purposes of education. In R.C. Anderson, R.J. Spiro, and W.E. Montague (Eds.) Schooling and the Acquisition of Knowledge (P. 1-17).
  6. Collins, A., Brown, J.S., and Newman, S.E. (1989). Cognitive Apprenticeship: Teaching the crafts of reading, writing and mathematics. In L.B. Resnick (Ed.) Knowing, Learning, and Instruction: Essays in Honor of Robert Glaser (P. 453-494). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence
  7. Cruickshank, B.J., and Olander, J. (2002). Can problem-based instruction stimulate higher order thinking? Journal of College Science Teaching 31(6) 374 – 377.
  8. Cuseo, J.B. (1996). Cooperative Learning: A Pedagogy for Addressing Contemporary Challenges and Critical Issues in Higher Education. Stillwater, OK.: New Forums Press and the Professional and Organizational Network in Higher Education.
  9. De Shazer, S. (1985). Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy. New York: Norton.
  10. Dewey, J. (1929). The Quest for Certainty. New York: Minton. Problem-based Learning in an Online Course: A case study Cheaney & Ingebritsen 15
  11. Dockett, S., and Tegel, K. (1993). “But we was just turtles:” Situation-based learning in early childhood teacher training. Australian Journal of Early Childhood 18(3) 43 – 48.
  12. Domin, D. (1999). A review of laboratory instruction styles. Journal of Chemical Education 76(4) 543 – 547.
  13. Duch, B.J. (1995). What is problem-based learning? About Teaching: A newsletter of the Center for Teaching Effectiveness, 47. Retrieved October 7, 2005 from: http://www.udel.edu/pbl/cte/jan95-what.html
  14. Duffy, T.M., and Bednar, A.K. (1991). Attempting to come to grips with alternative perspectives. Educational Technology 31(10) 12 – 15.
  15. Dyke, P., Jamrozik, K., and Plant, A.J. (2001). A randomized trial of a problem-based learning approach for teaching epidemiology. Academic Medicine 76(4) 373 – 379.
  16. Engel, J. (1991). Not just a method but a way of learning. In D. Boud and G. Feletti (Eds.) The Challenge of Problem-Based Learning (P. 21-31). London: Kogan Page.
  17. Erlendsson, J. (1991). Student Motivation. Retrieved June 30, 2005 from: http://www.hi.is/~joner/eaps/wh_motia.htm
  18. Garrison, D.R., and Anderson, T. (2003). E-Learning in the 21st Century: A framework for research and practice. London, UK.: RoutledgeFalmer.
  19. Herreid, C.F. (2000). I never knew Joe Paterno. Journal of College Science Teaching 29(4), 158 – 161.
  20. Honebein, P.C., Duffy, T.M., and Fishman, B.J. (1993). Constructivism and the design of Learning Environments: Context and authentic activities for learning. In T.M. Duffy, J. Lowyck, D.H. Jonassen, and T. Welsh (Eds.) Designing Environments for Constructive Learning. New York, NY: NATO Scientific Affairs Division.
  21. Jensen, M., Guttschow, G., and Hill, M. (2002). Technophobia and teaching technology-rich freshman science courses. Journal of College Science Teaching 31(6) 360 – 363.
  22. Kanuka, H., and Anderson, T. (1999). Using Constructivism in Technology-mediated Learning: Constructing order out of the chaos in the literature. Radical Pedagogy 1(2). Retrieved September 16, 2005 from: http://radicalpedagogy.icaap.org/content/issue1_2/02kanuka1_2.html
  23. Margetson, D. (1994). Current educational reform and the significance of problem-based learning. Studies in Higher Education 19(1), 5 – 19.
  24. Maudsley, G. (1999). Do we all mean the same thing by “problem-based learning”? A review of the concepts and a formulation of the ground rules. Academic Medicine 74, 178 – 185.
  25. Michel, M.C., Bischoff, A., and Jakobs, K.H. (2002). Comparison of problem-and lecture-based pharmacology teaching. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 23, 168 – 170.
  26. Mierson, S. (1998). A problem-based learning course in physiology for undergraduate and graduate basic science students. Advances in Physiology Education 275(supplement) S16 – S27. Molenda, M., (1991). A philosophical critique of the claims of “constructivism.” Educational Technology 31(10), 44 – 48.
  27. Oliver, R., and Herrington, J. (2000). Using situated learning as a design strategy for Web-based learning. In B. Abbey (Ed.) Instructional and Cognitive Impacts of Web-based Education (P. 178-191). Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing.
  28. Patel, V.L., Groen, G.J., and Norman, G.R. (1991). Effects of conventional and problem-based medical curricula on problem solving. Academic Medicine 66, 380 – 389.
  29. Peters, A.S., Greenberger-Rosovsky, R., Crowder, C., Block, S.D., and Moore, G.T. (2000). Long-term outcomes of the New Pathway Program at Harvard Medical School: A randomized controlled trial. Academic Medicine 75, 470-479.
  30. Russell, A.L., Creedy, D., and Davis, J. (1994). The use of contract learning in PBL. In S.E. Chen, R. Cowdroy, A. Kingsland, and M. Ostwald (Eds.) Reflections on Problem Based Learning (P. 57-72). Sydney: Australian Problem Based Learning Network.
  31. Russell, T.L. (2001). The No Significant Difference Phenomenon (5th ed.). Montgomery, AL.: International Distance Education Certification Center.
  32. Ryle, A. (1975). Frames and Cages: The repertory grid approach to human understanding. London: University of Sussex Press.
  33. Savery, J.R., and Duffy, T.M. (1995). Problem Based Learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework. Educational Technology 35(5), 31 – 37.
  34. Schmidt, H.G. (1993). Foundations of Problem-based Learning: Some explanatory notes. Medical Education 27, 422 – 432.
  35. Shannon, S., and Brine, J. (1994). Consolidating professional skills and developing the confidence of graduating architects. In S.E. Chen, R. Cowdroy, A. Kingsland, and M. Ostwald (Eds.) Reflections on Problem Based Learning (P. 201-217). Sydney: Australian
  36. Spiro, R.J., Feltovich, P.J., Jacobsen, M.J., and Coulson, R.L. (1991). Cognitive Flexibility, Constructivism, and Hypertext: Random access instruction for advanced knowledge acquisition in ill-structured domains. In T. Duffy and D. Jonassen (Eds.) Constructivism and the Technology of Instruction. Hillsdale, NJ.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  37. Spiro, R.J., and Jehng, J.C. (1990). Cognitive Flexibility and Hypertext: Theory and technology for the nonlinear and multidimensional traversal of complex subject matter. In D. Nix and R.J. Spiro (Eds.) Cognition, Education, and Multimedia: Exploring Ideas in High Technology. Hillsdale, NJ.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  38. Steel, R.G.D., and Torrie, J.H. (1960). Principles and Procedures of Statistics with Special Reference to the Biological Sciences. New York, NY.: McGraw-Hill.
  39. Tolnai, S. (1991). Continuing medical education and career choice among graduates of problembased and traditional curricula. Medical Education 25(5), 414 – 420.
  40. Von Glaserfeld, E. (1989). Cognition, construction of knowledge and teaching. Synthese 80, 121 – 140.
  41. Von Glaserfeld, E., and Smock, C. (1974). Introduction. In C. Smock and E. Von Glaserfeld (Eds.) Epistemology and Education: The Implications of Radical Constructivism for Knowledge Acquisition. Mathemagenic Activities Program– Follow Through. Athens, GA.: University of Georgia.
  42. Wankat, P.C. And Oreovicz, F.S. (1991). Teaching Engineering. New York: McGraw-Hill. Problem-based Learning in an Online Course: A case study Cheaney & Ingebritsen 18
  43. White, H.B. (1996). Dan tries Problem-based Learning: A case study. In L. Richlin (Ed.) To Improve the Academy, Vol. 15 (P. 75-91). Stillwater, OK.: New Forums Press and the
  44. Wright, J., Millar, S., Kosciuk, S., Penberthy, D., Williams, P., and Wampold, B. (1998). A novel strategy for assessing the effects of curriculum reform on student competence. Journal of Chemical Education 75, 986 – 992.

These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.

Suggest Corrections to References

Cited By

View References & Citations Map

These links are based on references which have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. If you see a mistake, please contact info@learntechlib.org.

Links

Also Read

Related Collections

Pages You've Visited

Abstracts