Potential for problem-based learning in pharmacy education: Clinical therapeutics course in diabetes,” ibid

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is an alternate method of instruction that incorporates basic elements of cognitive learning theory. Colleges of pharmacy can utilize PBL to aid anticipated learning outcomes and practice competencies of entry level pharmacists. Traditionally, PBL is taught in a small group environment, by a facilitator or tutor, and requires active learning. A course in PBL relates basic knowledge to applied knowledge while building mental models in long-term memory that are easily retrieved. Learning, in this manner, enhances cognitive skills required during critical thinking, fundamental reasoning, sound decision making, and problem solving. The key elements to the interdisciplinary course in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are objectives that prompt the students to develop or reformulate declarative and procedural knowledge in such a way that students ’ cognitive strategies are enhanced. This article provides a comprehensive review of the fundamentals of problem-based learning and describes a program design for teaching diabetes therapy using PBL