How did the students react?
Of course PBL took some getting used to, but the start looked promising. De students are working together way more, but they do need get used to analysing problems and taking the lead in doing their own research and finding underlying theories. The students expect that the theory will still be handed to them on a silver platter by their teacher(s) and that is something that has changed.
How was it for the teachers?
They were really curious as to how the students would react to this new way of working. They also had to get used to the fact that they cannot hand the students all the theory upfront, but leave some space for the students to grow and learn. Nevertheless, they did notice that students became more independent in their way of working and as a result are better prepared for assessments and real life situations. By now the teachers are also very enthusiastic about this new method and have decided to re-design the 'vervolgopleiding' and implement PBL a lot more.
Is PBL at TEKO the same as at Stenden?
No, not quite. At TEKO one tutor will work with a group of 30-40 students and functions as a “wandering tutor/facilitator”. In this variation of PBL the students also work on PBL tasks, but the organisation and set up of the 7-step model is adapted to guide tutors in how they can manage working with different student groups at the same time. Giving feedback, presenting, etc. all tasks of the tutor are adapted to working with mutual student groups.
This form of PBL can be easily combined with mini-lectures. This could be interesting for Stenden to look into and set up a pilot. Maybe we get the chance to visit TEKO again to learn from their implementation of PBL. A fruitful corporation in many ways!!!
We hope to use the Erasmus program again in the near future to visit other destination to expand our PBL exposure and knowledge.