Is problem‐based learning an ideal format for developing ethical decision skills?

Abstract

Ethical decision making is a complex process, which involves the interaction of knowledge, skills, and attitude. To enhance the teaching and learning on ethics reasoning, multiple teaching strategies have to be applied. A medical ethical reasoning (MER) model served as a framework of the development of ethics reasoning and their suggested instructional strategies. Problem-based learning (PBL), being used to facilitate students' critical thinking, self-directed learning, collaboration, and communication skills, has been considered effective on ethics education, especially when incorporated with experiential experience. Unlike lecturing that mainly disseminates knowledge and activates the left brain, PBL encourages "whole-brain" learning. However, PBL has several disadvantages, such as its inefficiency, lack of adequately trained preceptors, and the in-depth, silo learning within a relatively small number of cases. Because each school tends to utilize PBL in different ways, either the curriculum designer or the learning strategy, it is important to maximize the advantages of a PBL session, PBL then becomes an ideal format for refining students' ethical decisions and behaviors.

The effect of problem-based learning on nursing students' decision making skills and styles

“…[45] Moreover, Al-Dress et al (2015) mentioned that PBL sessions helped students develop their decision-making skills. [46] In addition, Harasym et al (2013) agreed that PBL is the ideal format for refining students' ethical decisions and behaviors. [47] In the same line, Sharma (2015) approved that PBL was an effective method to increase clinical decision making of nursing students.…”

“…[46] In addition, Harasym et al (2013) agreed that PBL is the ideal format for refining students' ethical decisions and behaviors. [47] In the same line, Sharma (2015) approved that PBL was an effective method to increase clinical decision making of nursing students. [48] Jonassen (2011), as well, suggested that decision-making skills are enhanced through the use of PBL method, in which students can recognize, compare, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of alternative solutions, then make a choice.…”

A Measuring Instrument for Ethical Sensitivity in the Therapeutic Sciences

“…The custom-developed vignettes provide a stable platform for training workshops based on the principles of problem-based learning, which are considered effective for the development of deeper competency in adult learners [17].…”

“…Speech-language therapists are specifically trained to view the client holistically and consider the impact of his/her cultural (a way of life of a specific group of people) and linguistic background. Developmental assessments should never be tests of cultural knowledge [16,17].…”

Process factors facilitating and inhibiting medical ethics teaching in small groups

“…PBL goes beyond mere problem solving as the main reason for the learning 7. It facilitates students' critical thinking, self-directed learning, collaboration and communication skills 8. Indeed, PBL has been implemented in many medical curricula worldwide for nearly 40 years 9.…”