vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort

vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort

vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort

Measuring the Effectiveness of an Open Ended Team-Based Induction Task

An evaluation of a new problem-based, open-ended induction activity for chemistry undergraduates at the University of Leicester was undertaken. Responses to the evaluation questionnaire (N=168) revealed that students appreciated the opportunity to make friends with their course mates (88.1% agreement), to discuss science with other students (76.8% agreement) and to learn how to develop a project plan (77.4% agreement). A considerably smaller number of students agreed that the activity helped them develop their time management (59.5%) or develop their problem solving (45.8%) skills. This suggests that the social benefits (e.g. learning community building) of this activity may outweigh the development of other skills and abilities

vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort

vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort

vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort

vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort

vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort

vPBL: Developing a Facilitated Remote Approach to Problem Based Learning

A classroom based Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity was adapted to run as a remote activity during the COVID-19 pandemic using an approach described as virtual Problem Based Learning (vPBL). vPBL is based on (i) identification of a suitable learning platform that supports collaborative working in a way that mimics the classroom based activity and provides additional flexibility for teams to work together, and (ii) adaptation of the problem structure to provide additional time for students to work together and additional facilitated support where needed. Student performance and self-reported levels of transferrable skills development in the vPBL activity were as good as they were in the PBL version of the same activity. Furthermore, the transition to vPBL appears to have no negative impact on student learning and development. Although there was evidence to suggest students in the vPBL cohort collaborate between sessions to a similar extent as their colleagues who learnt primarily through interactive online lectures, there was evidence of greater use of some collaborative digital learning tools (audio and video chat and desktop and file sharing) in the vPBL cohort