Reflection On Problem-Based Learning

(1) Introduction
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centred approach aimed at enabling students to take charge of their own learning and allows them to develop skills and values that will not be taught in a typical classroom setting.

(2) The Problem Scenario, PBL Stages & Solutions
2.1 Reflection on PBL Stages
This PBL journey had been an exhilarating one. For a start, we were tasked to form groups with unfamiliar faces which was pretty intimidating. Despite that, we set the ground rules and accepted one another. We were then tasked to understand and determine solutions for Problem 1 “Communication Etiquette”. With the guidance of our tutor, Mr Darshan, we managed to generate some learning issues that will aid us in solving the problem.

For instance, for the section on exchanging business cards, there were no clear guidelines and it ultimately varied according to the situational settings. However, we gathered the possible information and tweaked them into context whilst avoiding overgeneralising it. Eventually, we managed to recommend something that could be applied to most situations. Through this, I learnt that we should always be innovative as every situation is unique and consider all possible solutions before coming to a conclusion.
Problem 2:
We were imprudent in conducting our research and there were many questionable gaps in it. For instance, for the gift-giving section, we included wines as a generally acceptable gift. However, we failed to consider that this was unacceptable in Saudi Arabia. We should have been more cautious and considered all factors thoroughly before including it as part of our research. I also learnt that we should get a macro view of the situation and not be too quick to generalise the acceptable practices and to be culturally sensitive when dealing with people from different

Mr Darshan constantly ensured that we were on the right track and frequently questioned the points we presented. This challenged us to think innovatively during the peer-teaching sessions. For instance, for the Gift Etiquette section, we stated that we should purchase a gift that the person likes and not what they need. Mr Darshan challenged us to differentiate a need and a want philosophically.

Motivating Factors & Drawbacks of Problem-Based (PBL) Facilitation
Motivating Factors of PBL Facilitation:
(1) Tight Deadlines
My group and I agreed on a deadline for every piece of research work. The tight deadlines propelled us to complete our assigned research on time.
(2) Application of Content
As Communication Etiquette is very relevant to me when I enter the workforce, this spurred me to get the basics right and put it into practice whenever I can.
Drawbacks of PBL Facilitation:
(1) Lack of Learning Space
As much as the facilitators would like to ensure that we are on the right track, they might overly guide us which results in the lack of learning space.
(2) Facilitators Might Not Know It All
As much as the facilitators would like to guide us through this PBL process, they might not be knowledgeable on every information that we found on the net and thus, being unable to do so