The application of problem-based learning to the teaching of microbiology for pharmacy students
Keywords:
Microbiology, pharmacy, problem-based learning (PBL), real worldAbstract
Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational format, where students work in groups on a ‘real world’ problem with a tutor facilitating. A PBL task was investigated as a means of teaching a unit of microbiology to pharmacy students, providing an alternative to the more traditional lectures and practical work. The task, and its assessment, involved preparation of an abstract and a paper for presentation on the methods used to detect and identify food-borne pathogens. The PBL project was favourably received by staff and students. Most students reported an increase in motivation to learn and interest in the subject, and the quality of the work was very high. Challenges to the implementation of PBL include time issues, group-related issues, variability among facilitators, student evaluation and faculty acceptance and training. Whilst more traditional teaching practices will continue to dominate, PBL certainly deserves a place in the teaching repertoire.
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