Future Trends of Problem-Based Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) or practice-based learning as an educational practice continues to have a large influence on all levels of education and across different disciplines. The inception of PBL began largely within the science field and has since transferred to other areas of academia from kindergarten to higher education realms. Along with the changes comes future trends that contribute to PBL, namely domains, designs, group sizes, and problem-solving qualities utilizing the PBL practices. Three other models that relate to problem-based learning include project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and design thinking. These are also part of the evolution of problem-based learning. The settings of PBL and how this relates to current times in light of the COVID-19 pandemic are also important to include in the future trends of PBL and where education settings are headed as a result of the pandemic.