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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
13:44
Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
The influence of context on students' approaches to learning: a case study
J Kieser1, P Herbison, T Harland
1Department of Oral Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. jules.kieser@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Summary
Problem-based learning (PBL) improved learning approaches for students starting with surface-level understanding. Students with initial deep learning approaches maintained their methods, with two showing declines in approach and scores.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational approach.
- Assessing changes in student learning is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine changes in student conceptions and learning approaches.
- To evaluate the impact of a problem-based learning curriculum in oral biology.
Main Methods:
- A small-scale longitudinal study involving 14 students.
- Students experienced a novel problem-based learning curriculum for the first time.
Main Results:
- Students with a surface approach shifted to a deep-learning approach with improved outcomes.
- Students with a deep approach generally maintained their methods; two showed a decline.
- The two students with declining approaches also had the lowest examination scores.
Conclusions:
- Problem-based learning can transform surface-level learning approaches to deep learning.
- Maintaining a deep-learning approach correlates with higher academic achievement.
- Student motivation and context are important factors in learning approach changes.
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