The method

What Problem-Based Learning is.

PBL Coach works through a clinical problem with you one-to-one: you set out what is known, what needs explaining and what to find out, research it, then return to the case to test your reasoning.

How the method works

  1. Present the problemThe student is given a clinical case.
  2. Set out explanationsIdentify possible causes and what is already known.
  3. Identify learning needsDecide what information is still required.
  4. ResearchFind and study the relevant material independently.
  5. Apply and reviewReturn to the case, reach a reasoned conclusion, and reflect.

Why it is used

Knowledge in context

Material is learned in relation to a case, which can support understanding and recall compared with studying facts in isolation.

Integration of subjects

Basic science and clinical knowledge are brought together around one problem rather than taught as separate subjects.

Clinical reasoning

Students practise forming and testing explanations, which is the type of reasoning used in clinical work.

Self-directed learning

Students decide what they need to learn and find it themselves, a skill required throughout a medical career.

This is an introductory description for the first version of the site. It is intended to be reviewed and refined by PBL Coach's advisors.