JPSY_V1_N1_RP1 Muthu Kumar Uma Natarajan Journal on Educational Psychology 2230 – 7141 1 1 27 35 Problem-based learning (PBL), pedagogical method, students' curiosity, tertiary institution, inherent strengths and pitfalls Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical method that challenges students to think intuitively and learn co-operatively in groups to seek solutions to real world problems. These problems are used as the building blocks to engage students' curiosity and initiate independent learning of subject matter. Authentic, alternative assessment plays a key role in the effective implementation of a PBL unit. The discussions in this paper are drawn upon the learning experiences of students enrolled in a tertiary institution that has developed its curriculum design based upon a rigorous PBL model. Based upon student feedback, some crucial issues focusing on the inherent strengths and pitfalls of authentic assessment techniques in the context of a PBL environment are explored. Students' comments on possible improvements to the assessment system are also analysed in this paper. May - July 2007 Copyright & copy; 2007 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=456