Resources on problem-based learning (PBL)

This page lists key resources, both law related and generic, on problem-based learning. To find more resources on the UKCLE site, click ‘what’s related’ or use the search box. For more generic resources, try the Academy/JISC Web search tool

Case studies and examples

• Universiteit Maastricht PBL-site – extensive generic information plus details of the use of PBL in law (click on ‘Faculties’ and then ‘Law’)

General guidance: UK

• Problem-based learning directory – fledgling site that intends to develop into a searchable database of institutions worldwide that have adopted a PBL approach
• Assessment in problem-based learning – briefing paper (January 2004) from the LTSN Generic Centre examining some of the main principles of assessment as applied to problem-based learning, stressing in particular the need to ensure alignment between the objectives and student learning outcomes of the course
• The effectiveness of problem-based learning: a pilot systematic review and meta-analysis (PDF file) – TLRP research briefing (October 2004)
• Imaginative curriculum guide: problem-based learning – guide (August 2004) from the Higher Education Academy’s Imaginative Curriculum project illustrating concepts and practices from the literature on problem-based learning
• Using information and communications technologies to support problem-based learning – article (March 2002) on the use of ICT to support problem-based learning fom the Higher Education Academy

General guidance: overseas

• Leap into problem-based learning (PDF file; University of Adelaide) – step by step guide through important questions for those considering the use of PBL
• Problem-based learning (School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Ontario) – short chapters on the rationale underpinning PBL, students’ responsibilities, the function of the tutor, assessment and problem writing
• Problem-based learning (University of Delaware) – wide range of resources and links, including articles and sample problems (see the PBL Clearinghouse), although few are law specific
• Problem-based learning (Maricopa Center for Learning & Instruction, Arizona) – basic overview and a ‘worked example’ (UBUYACAR) detailing the advice and resources offered to students and tutors
• Problem-based Learning Initiative (Southern Illinois University) – useful overview, with a list of ‘essentials’ for successful problem-based learning
• Samford PBL Initiative (Samford University, Alabama) – details of a major cross-disciplinary adoption of PBL

Literature review

Compiled by Andrew Scott (University of East Anglia) for UKCLE’s PBL working group.

Using PBL in law:

• Cruickshank D (1996) ‘Problem-based learning in legal education’ in J Webb and C Maughan (eds) Teaching lawyers’ skills London: Butterworths
• MacFarlane J & Manwaring J (1998) ‘Using problem-based learning to teach first year Contracts’ Journal of Professional Legal Education 16:271-298
• Martin F (2003) ‘Using a modified problem-based learning approach to motivate and enhance student learning of taxation law’ The Law Teacher 37(1):55-75
• Moust J (1998) ‘The problem-based education approach at the Maastricht Law School’ The Law Teacher 32(1):5-36
• Moskovitz M (1992) ‘Beyond the case method: it’s time to teach with problems’ Journal of Legal Education 42:241-270
• Nathanson S (1998) ‘Designing problems to teach legal problem solving’ California Western Law Review 34:325-346
• Payne R (2003) ‘Peer learning at university: trusting the students’ The Law Teacher 37(2):143-156
• Szabo A (1993) ‘Teaching substantive law through problem-based learning’ Journal of Professional Legal Education 11:195-210
• Tzannes M (1997) ‘Problem-based learning in legal education: intentionally overlooked or merely misunderstood?’ The Law Teacher 31(2):180-197
• Winsor K (1997) ‘Applying problem-based learning to practical legal training’ in D Boud & G Feletti (eds) The challenge of problem-based learning (2nd edition) London: Kogan Page
• Wong Y (2003) ‘Harnessing the potential of problem-based learning in legal education’ The Law Teacher 37(2):157-173

General guidance

• Boud D and Feletti G (eds) (1997) The challenge of problem-based learning (2nd edition) London: Kogan Page (33 short chapters grouped into themes, including getting started, design and implementation, and assessment and evaluation. Examples of the use of PBL in particular disciplines include one from professional legal education – see Winsor above.)
• Duch B et al (eds) (2001) The power of problem-based learning Sterling: Stylus (A ‘practical how to’ manual, based on the experience of those involved in PBL at the University of Delaware. Specific chapters focus on issues such as how to use groups, how to assess, how to write relevant problems and how to integrate ICT.)
• Savin-Baden M (2000) Problem-based learning in higher education: untold stories Buckingham: Open University Press (Seeks to offer a theoretical framework within which particular manifestations of PBL can be more fully understood and hence developed. Calls for a higher degree of reflectivity and explicitness regarding practice to allow the full benefits of PBL to be gleaned and acknowledged.)
• Schwartz P et al (eds) (2001) Problem-based learning: case studies, experience and practice London: Kogan Page (Short case studies drawn largely from medicine, but which nevertheless engage with issues of wider relevance. Three sections, focusing on institutional questions, issues for teachers, and issues for students, offering in particular the benefit of much practical experience in the management of (dysfunctional) groups.)

Last Modified: 4 June 2010