i-manager Publications

Alternative Assessment in Problem-Based Learning: Strengths, Shortcomings and Sustainability

Muthu Kumar*, Uma Natarajan**

*Educational Specialist,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School,Singapore.

**Research Associate ,Center for Research in Pedagogy and practice,National Institute of Education,NTU,Singapore.

Periodicity:May - July'2007
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jpsy.1.1.456

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical method that challenges students to think intuitively, 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 curricular 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.

Keywords

PBL, Assessment, Interaction.

How to Cite this Article?

Muthu Kumar and Uma Natarajan (2007). Alternative Assessment in Problem-Based Learning: Strengths, Shortcomings and Sustainability. i-manager’s Journal on Educational Psychology, 1(1), 28-35. https://doi.org/10.26634/jpsy.1.1.456

References

[1]Albanese, M.A. (1993). Problem-based learning: A review of literature on its outcomes and implementation issues. Academic medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 68 (1), 52-81.

[2]American Association for Higher Education (1992). Nine principles of good practices for assessing student learning, Washington, D.C.: American Association for Higher Education.

[3]Assessment of students' problem-based learning. Retrieved online June 28, 2005 http://edweb .sdsu.edu/clrit/learningtree/PBL/webassess/studentNclass es.html

[4]Barr, R., &Tagg, J. (1995). From teaching to learning: A new paradigm for undergraduate education. Change, 27(6), 12-25.

[5]Barrows, H. S. (1996). Problem-based learning in medicine and beyond: A brief overview. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 68,3-12.

[6]Boud, D. & Feletti, G. I. (1991). The challenge of problem-based learning, London, Kogan.

[7]Cockrell, K. S., Caplow, J. A. H., & Donaldson, J. F. (2000). A Context for Learning: Collaborative groups in the problem-based learning environment. Review of Higher Education 23 (3), 347-363.

[8]Ewell, R T. (1997). Organizing for learning: A new imperative. AAHE Bulletin, 50 (4), 3-6.

[9]Ewing, S. C. (1998). "Alternative assessment: Popularity, pitfalls, and potential." Assessment Update: Progress, Trends, and Practices in Higher Education 10, (1)1,2,11,12.1,2,11,12.

[10]Major, C. (1999). Connecting what we know and what we do through problem-based learning. AAHE Bulletin, 51 (1), 7-9.

[11] National Education Goals Panel. (1992) .The national education goals report: Building a nation of learners. Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office.

[12]Nightingale,P.,Te Wiata ,I.,Toohey,S.,Ryan,G.,Hughes,C.,&Magin,D.(eds).(1996).Assessing learning in Universities,Sydney:UNSWPress.

[13]Nowak ,J.A.,&Plucker,J.A.(1999).Do as I Say ,Not as I Do?Student Assessment in problem Based Learning Retrived 1 August ,2005.

[14]Reis,S.M.,&rENZULLI,j.s.(1991).The assessment of creative products in programs for gifted and talented students.Gifted Child Quarterly,35,128-134.

[15]Vernon,D.A.&Blake ,R.L.(1993).Does problem based learning work?A meta -analysis of evaluative research.Academic Medicine,68(7),550-563.

[16]Worthen ,B.(1993).Critical issues that will determine the future of alternative assessment.Phi Delta kappan 74,(6),444-448,450-454.

Alternative Assessment in Problem-Based Learning: Strengths, Shortcomings and Sustainability

Abstract

Keywords

How to Cite this Article?

References

If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Options for accessing this content:

	North Americas,UK, Middle East,Europe		India	Rest of world
	USD	EUR	INR	USD-ROW
Pdf	35	35	200	20
Online	35	35	200	15
Pdf & Online	35	35	400	25