Bahrain Polytechnic offered a problem-based learning (PBL) training series to academics from various higher education institutions in the Kingdom. The attendees were provided with an overview of the theory and practice of PBL in a higher education setting. The workshop, spread across 3 days in a total of 15 hours, started from 25th April until 9th May.
The PBL approach is a teaching and learning methodology which aims to encourage learners to be self-directed and interdependent among a group when solving problems. Amongst the topics discussed during the workshop were the introduction to PBL, designing a PBL curricula, and assessments in PBL.
The attendees from the Royal University for Women, Ahlia University and Gulf University, had the opportunity to gain an insight on this internationally adopted teaching practice through short lectures, group seminars and workshops. The series was facilitated by Dr. Rogelio M. Levardo, Dr. Brian Bennison, Mr. Davin Scampton and Ms. Shaima AlAnsari from the Academic Development Directorate.
Sh. Faye bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Acting Manager: Commercial & Community Initiatives, stated: “The Polytechnic prides itself on the experience of its academic staff, and extends its expertise to the community and industry by offering workshops and tailor-made courses.
“We believe that this workshop will add benefit to the academics enrolled and we hope that the attendees learned how to implement PBL in their curricula.” concluded Sh. Faye Al Khalifa.
The attendees praised the organization of the workshop, adding that the sessions were very informative, and that they look forward to introduce the PBL teaching and learning methodology to their respective courses.
