Problem Based Learning (PBL)

The semester includes eight PBL assignments of one to two weeks in duration.

PBL instruction will take place at Rikshospitalet and Akershus University Hospital.

As in previous semesters, the inclusion of PBL is fundamental to the course of study. The responsibilities and tasks of advisers and students in the PBL colloquium are, as before, based on the now familiar seven step process. The groups are put together prior to week one of the semester.

This learning method is fundamental to this course of study, gives the students a considerable amount of influence and responsibility for their learning. In addition, PBL allows for an interdisciplinary approach. Using a situation or course of events taken from the real world, the students acquire knowledge and insight such that they can understand and explain the underlying mechanisms.

The work follows a structured plan which is divided into three main sections: (1) preliminary group meetings on Tuesdays where the students will come to an agreement about their learning goals, (2) obtaining information independently through the week, and (3) closing group meetings on Fridays.

The method of working with PBL tasks has seven steps:

• Understand the situation/clarify terminology
• Identify the problem
• Suggest possible causes (hypothesize)
• Connect problems and causes
• Decide what type of information is needed
• Obtain information
• Apply the information

It is very important to use the bulletin boards to communicate with the other members of the group. After each PBL assignment has been completed, the group should self-evaluate how well they functioned and how thoroughly the assignment was completed.

Every PBL group has approximately eight students and a permanent teacher as an adviser. The groups are chosen by drawing lots prior to the start of the semester.

Overview of PBL groups and tutors

Duties for advisers and students in PBL group work:

Both advisers and students:

Advisers and students are responsible for the group functioning properly. This means all must take part in creating an open and acceptable atmosphere where everyone can participate and all questions and suggestions are treated with equal respect. The first meeting should begin with a clarification of expectations.

The student's responsibilities/duties

Attendance at the group meetings

The outcome of the group work is dependent on every member¡¯s attendance.

Active role at the meetings

All students are expected to participate and come prepared. This means having obtained the information that the group has decided is necessary to complete the assignment.

Ensure the process moves forward by complying with the seven steps previously listed.

Challenge each other through debate and discussion. Review the reasoning behind conclusions and assertions.

At the end of the second meeting the assignment will be evaluated together with the PBL adviser. A form must be filled out and delivered to the semester secretary.

The adviser¡¯s responsibilities/duties:

Ensure that the students follow the necessary steps for logical problem solving (the seven steps). In the early phase of the assignment the adviser should contribute to the discussion, help with the choices being made, and make sure the students are focusing on the appropriates aspects of the problem.

Ensure that the students are on the right track as to the information they will research. This can be accomplished by questions and requesting summaries. To do this the teacher must have adequate knowledge of the semester¡¯s aims and know what the students have learned in the past.

Ensure that the students¡¯ goals concerning information acquisition are realistic. The adviser must steer the students in the right direction i.e. if their goals seem too comprehensive or if they spend too much time on tangential aspects of the problem.

The adviser should use questions to make sure the students to an adequate depth in their analysis of the problem, not just use superficial knowledge and explanations.

When there is conflict within the group, the adviser should help the group see the problem ¨C not just solve the problem.

Give advice on where and how information can be obtained.

Rules for absence from PBL

PBL attendance is mandatory.

A registration sheet will be used at each meeting to keep track of attendance.The PBL adviser will send the dated list to the secretary of the semester committee, who will file the lists.

Students are allowed to be absent from PBL instruction a maximum of 20%.The calculation is based on the number of meetings.Neither a reason for the absence, nor written confirmation is required.

If a student is absent from PBL instruction between 20% and 30%, he/she must complete a written assignment, to be approved by the semester committee. The choice of topic will relate to the missed material.

Reasons for being absent between 20% and 30% are not required.

If a student is absent for more than 30% of the PBL instruction, he/she must repeat the semester regardless of the reasons for his/her absence.Maximum absent days permitted for each semester:Students are not allowed to change PBL groups. A student can apply to the faculty to be put in a particular group well before the start of the semester.