Problem-based learning (PBL) in law

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a way of engaging students in ‘real’ problems. Unlike conventional teaching, PBL starts with a problem, requiring student to research, select, analyse and apply information and theories in order to solve it – see defining problem-based learning for an overview of the benefits of using PBL as an approach.

In law there is already a tradition of problem-based learning, with clinic, where students gain an appreciation and application of the law to real problems, having its foundations in PBL – see our clinical legal education page for further information and links to resources on clinical approaches.

UKCLE problem-based learning working group

The UKCLE problem-based learning working group, set up in 2002, explored the use of PBL in law. The working group held two workshops in April 2002 and October 2003, and two case studies of practice from law schools are available:

• Using problem-based learning to teach company law (Southampton Solent University)
• Using problem-based learning to teach constitutional and administrative law (University of East Anglia)

Andrew Scott (University of East Anglia) co-ordinated the working group. He compiled a list of resources on problem-based learning and also provided his reflections on using PBL.

Last Modified: 30 June 2010