Problem-based Learning: Welcome to the "Real World": A Teaching Model for Adult Learners

According to the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, problem-based learning is a strategy choice for workplace trainers, instructional designers and educators because "in a society where change is constant and teamwork is a way of life at work, the lessons learned through involvement in problem-based learning are essential for students' career development." In this book, the characteristics of problem-based learning are explained and the theories that support problem-based learning are explored. Through a faculty mentoring project, the research conducted at a community college found significant improvement in student engagement and learning with a diverse population of students. Educators will enjoy and apply the course case studies and instructional activities. Faculty leaders and administrators will be inspired by concepts of moving faculty and students toward a learner-centered organization. There is an emphasis on the need to prepare the future workforce to meet the challenges of a global economy.

Dr. Wendy J. Flint is Senior Vice President of Boston Reed College in Napa, California and the former Director of Professional and Continuing Education for the Center for Training and Development at College of the Desert (COD) in Palm Desert, California.

Dr. Flint was a tenured faculty member at COD and elected two-term Chair of the Faculty Development Committee. She is the author of several technical manuals including, School Boards - A Call to Action, Instructional Design Methods, Teaching Techniques for Adult Learners, Student Leadership Skills for the 21st Century and Principled and Practical Leadership.

She has presented Transfer of Learning and Problem-based Learning workshops throughout the state of California and was a published/presenter at the 14th International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Jacksonville, Florida in April 2003. Dr. Flint has published in multiple journals on teaching techniques, online assessments and organizational leadership.

Dr. Flint's experiences of working in major corporation training departments, including Hewlett-Packard's Ink Jet Printer Division, combined with her higher education faculty experience as a business adjunct professor, brings a fresh perspective to the topic of 21st century learning.

Dr. Flint received her BA in Communications with a specialization in Training and Development from Marylhurst University in West Linn, Oregon, her Masters of Public Affairs from Washington State University, and her PhD in Education with a specialization in Teaching and Learning from Capella University. She is currently working on her MBA.

Dr. Flint resides in Indio, California with her husband of 37 years and three Chinese Shar-pei dogs. She has three married children and six grandchildren.