Introduction to Problem-Based Learning : PBL Books & Articles

PBL Books     •     Articles / Handbooks

PBL Books

Steering Committee Favorite Books

The books listed below are core resources for learning about PBL. These books are available through the University of Cincinnati Libraries and OhioLINK for members of our academic community. Additional resources can also be found by searching the library catalog. Try searching the UC Library Catalog using the subject headings listed below to locate additional materials..

Problem-Based Learning
Motivation in Education
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Internet in Education
Curriculum Planning

Core Resource Books

Bain, Ken. (2004). What The Best College Teachers Do. Cambridge, Mass : Harvard University Press

Dufy, Thomas M. and Kirkley, Jamie R. (2004) Learner-centered theory and practice in distance education : cases from higher education. Mahwah, N.J : Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Kee, V. S.  (2004).  Teaching & learning through inquiry:  A guidebook for institutions and instructors .  Sterling, VA:  Stylus Publishing.

Kember, David. (2000) Action learning and action research : improving the quality of teaching and learning . London : Kogan Page ; Sterling, VA : Stylus Pub.

Savin-Baden, M. (2000).  Problem-based learning in higher education:  Untold stories .  Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Savin-Badin, M. (2003).  Facilitating problem-based learning:  Illuminating perspectives .  Philadelphia: Open University Press

Savin-Baden, M. & C. H. Major. (2004). Foundations of Problem-based learning. Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Schwartz, P., Mennin, S., & Webb, G.  (2001).  Problem-based learning:  Case studies, experience and practice .  Kogan Page.

Torp, L., & Sage, S.  (2002).  Problems as possibilities:  Problem-based learning for K-16 education (2nd ed.)  Alexandria, VA:  Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Articles / Handbooks

The following articles/handbooks provide a wealth of information about PBL.

Using Technology to Promote Success in PBL Courses
This article provides a thorough review of how web based syllabi; online instruction and communication groups can enhance problem solving and student engagement in the learning process.
(This article was originally published in The Technology Source as: George Watson "Using Technology to Promote Success in PBL Courses." The Technology Source , May/June 2002. Available online at http://ts.mivu.org/default.asp?show=article&id=969. The article is reprinted here with permission of the publisher).

Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction Problem Based Learning Manual
This online manual provides sample problems, information on the problem solving process, as well assessment and evaluation information.

Problem Based Learning at Queen's
Queen's University in Ontario, Canada has a strong tradition of PBL. This manual provides information for both students and faculty.

The Handbook for Economics Lecturers
Produced by the UK's Higher Education Network, this handbook focuses on how to prepare both students and faculty for a PBL environment.

Problem Based Learning: A Student Guide
Developed by the Southern Illinois School of Medicine, this guide outlines the PBL process for students, including required research skills.

Problem Based Learning
Developed by McMaster University, a leader in educational innovation, this resource provides a good overview of the PBL process, with links to bibliographies on teaching and learning.

Cooperative Learning in Technical Courses
As part of the longitudinal study, Dr. Felder, professor of chemical engineering and Dr. Rebecca Brent, a professor of education at East Carolina University, adapted or devised procedures for implementing cooperative learning in courses that stress quantitative problem solving. These procedures are summarized in this report.

Problem-based learning: an introduction
The National Teaching and Learning Forum provides access to a wealth of articles. This particular one features an excellent overview of the PBL process.

Turning Student Groups into effective teams
This excellent article from the Journal of Student Centered Learning focuses on group dynamics and includes assessment criteria for PBL groups.

WE never said it would be easy
This article, Felder, Richard, "We Never Said It Would Be Easy."
Chem. Engr. Education, 29 (1), 32-33 (Winter 1995), discusses the challenges and rewards of PBL.

What makes great teachers great?
From the Chronicle of Higher Education, this article provides some insight into teaching styles.

Additional Resources for Scholarly Research

Faculty are encouraged to utilize the many databases and resources available via the University Library system.

The Education Indexes and Databases link provides a list of major indexes in education. Search these indexes for additional articles on PBL. Many articles are available electronically. In addition, you can search the Full-Text Journals site for additional information on the scholarship of teaching and learning.

For additional information and assistance in acquiring materials, contact a member of the University Libraries PBL team: jane.carlin@uc.edu or pam.bach@uc.edu