Course Title: Investigative and Problem Based Teaching and Learning

Part A: Course Overview

Course ID: 015739

Course Title: Investigative and Problem Based Teaching and Learning

Credit Points: 24

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
CUED1053	Bundoora Campus	Postgraduate	360H Education	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007

Course Coordinator: Dr Anne Wilks

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7806

Course Coordinator Email: anne.wilks@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 220.04.018

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

As this is a postgraduate course students must have a base degree of at least 3 years.

Course Description

This course provides the opportunity for students to understand the research on problem based learning (PBL). Students will be able to critically analyse the problem based learning approach and its benefits. During the course students will learn how to use problem based learning situations and scenarios to apply a PBL approach and to formulate solutions to a selected issue within an area of interest.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Students will be expected to demonstrate:
• An understanding of a problem based approach to learning
• A knowledge of research on problem based learning
• An understanding of the range of situations and disciplines where problem based learning has been explored
• An ability to formulate theoretical and practical learning issues suited to problem based learning issues
• An understanding of the techniques required to seek tentative solutions to problems
• The ability to collaboratively use and apply principles of problem based learning

Students will be expected to demonstrate:
• An understanding of a problem based approach to learning
• A knowledge of research on problem based learning
• An understanding of the range of situations and disciplines where problem based learning has been explored
• An ability to formulate theoretical and practical learning issues suited to problem based learning issues
• An understanding of the techniques required to seek tentative solutions to problems
• The ability to collaboratively use and apply principles of problem based learning

Overview of Learning Activities

Students will participate in tutorials by discussing problem based readings and research. They will work both independently and collaboratively on problem based situations. Presentations will be made to the group on the formulation of a specific situation where a problem based approach has been formulated and then used to come up with tentative solutions to the problem.

Overview of Learning Resources

Bennett, S. (2002). Learning about design in context: an investigation of learners’ interpretations and use of real-life cases within a constructivist learning environment created to support authentic design activities. University of Wollongong: Wollongong, NSW.
Evensen, D. & Hmelo, C. (2000). (Eds.) Problem based learning: a research perspective on learning interactions. Mahwah, N.J. Erlbaum Assoc.
Jones, B. (1997). Real life problem solving: a collaborative approach to interdisciplinary learning. Washington DC: American Psychological Association.
Savin-Baden, M. (2000). Problem based learning in higher education: untold stories. Buckingham: Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press.

https://www.acer.edu.au/scripts/library/request/docreq01.php?document-id=117608

http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/nhcp/aejne/vol8-1/refereed/oliffe/oliffe.html

Overview of Assessment

There will be two assessment tasks for this course.
1. The first assessment will be an essay. Students will be required to present a theoretical discussion that reflects an understanding of a problem based approach to learning. Students will then outline the ways in which the practical application of this approach can be used in a range of contexts.

2. The second piece of assessment may be carried out collaboratively or individually.
Students will formulate a theoretical and practical learning issue suited to problem based learning. This may be in the form of a scenario if desired. The principles of problem based learning will then be used to seek tentative solutions to the issue presented. These problem based learning situations and solutions will be presented to the class.