Challenges With Designing, Implementing, and Teaching PBL in Higher Education

Abstract

This chapter will introduce the reader to the challenges associated with establishing a problem-based learning (PBL) program within a higher education classroom. Common challenges (e.g., how to assess, college professor involvement, establishing collaborative groups, lack of communication and motivation, the roles of the participants, how different learning styles align to a PBL program, changing roles of the college faculty member, loss of control within the college classroom, etc.) that can occur are discussed from a general, student, and college professor perspective. Issues such as the lack of self-direction, which is essential to the success of a PBL program, are discussed, and suggestions for further research are provided.