Problem-Based Learning: A Self-Directed Journey

Problem-Based Learning: A Self-Directed Journey is written for health professionals seeking to develop their understanding of problem-based learning (PBL). The author successfully utilizes the problem-based learning format to teach the concepts in this process.

Developed from the perspective of a learner resource, over 30 years of experience within a problem-based learning environment is brought to the pages of this comprehensive text. While it is necessary to understand the process of problem-based learning, "doing" is the main focus of teaching in this text.

Problem-Based Learning: A Self-Directed Journey covers the different steps taken in the PBL process, such as articulating the problem, deciding what is already known, brainstorming ideas, defining a learning plan, researching, synthesizing the knowledge learned, and re-defining further learning needs.

Organized specifically as tutorials instead of chapters, the reader is guided through the process of problem-based learning while establishing a foundation for learning. Each tutorial concludes with a synopsis of resources and a descriptive overview of key terminology presented.

This insightful text teaches both students and health professionals the valuable lesson of "how" to learn while developing the skills necessary to succeed in their profession.

Over the past three decades, since emigrating to Canada from Britain, Sue Baptiste has significantly influenced Canadian occupational therapy through her unique and innovative approaches to practice, leadership, education, and research. Her work as leader of a large occupational therapy program through the 1970s and 80s led to the development of organizational models integrating practice, student education, and clinical research. The growth of many occupational therapists in Canada has been fostered through Sue’s mentorship and enthusiastic support of excellence. An internationally renowned leader in problem-based education, Sue has facilitated the development of problem-based, self-directed learning across many disciplines. Her abiding interest in issues of culture and organizational change characterize her research.

Sue is an author of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, an outcome measure used throughout the world. Sue has an unequalled ability to challenge long held assumptions (with humour) while positively facilitating change to ensure excellence in occupational therapy.

Mary Law, PhD, OT Reg (Ont.)

Professor and Associate Dean, School of Rehabilitation Science

Co-director, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research

McMaster University

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

From July/Aug 2002 edition of OT Now.

Copyright © CAOT Publications, Ottawa, Ontario.

Used with permission.