Exploring PBL as a strategy for improving student learning outcomes

Copyright © 2007 Joham and Clarke.Problem‐based learning (PBL) has been identified in the literature as one approach for enabling the development of generic employability skills. This approach differs from many traditional approaches to teaching and learning by integrating employability skills (such as problem solving, teamwork and self‐management) into the student learning process. The purpose of this paper is to explore problem‐based learning (PBL) as a vehicle for improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment outcomes in the management field. Examples from a Masters course are provided as initial empirical data. The paper argues that PBL assists in the development of employability skills for students, supports a high level of interaction among students from diverse cultural backgrounds and facilitates the integration of multiple perspectives into group views as part of the problem‐solving process (Checkland, 1981).Carmen Joham, Marilyn Clarkehttp://www.eac2007.qut.edu.au