Teaching development grants final and financial report: Problem-based learning in Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences and Technology

The proposed project aims to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning in the subject areas of MSST and to extend staff's repertoire of teaching strategies through trialing of the problem-based learning approach (PBL). The strengths of PBL in enhancing the quality of knowledge acquisition and development of higher order skills are well documented in some educational contexts like medical education. The project is structured in several coherent phases which progressively lead staff through the processes of professional development, planning, piloting, implementation, evaluation and generation of deliverables. The project will be evaluated through focus group interviews, staff and student surveys, and continuous assessment to examine student perceptions of PBL and the degree of improvement of students' ability to solve PBL cases. The outcomes of the project will be disseminated through publication of PBL materials and evaluation outcomes, and staff seminars or symposia.