Active engagement in health services administration survey courses through problem-based learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) seeks to engage students in an active process of individual and cooperative learning of interrelated themes. As applied, it has been shown to develop better reasoning processes, critical thinking, communication skills, and an increased motivation to learn. A PBL learning modality, with a unique content approach, was incorporated into an introductory healthcare delivery systems course geared toward freshman and sophomore students. The students were engaged in groups to work on real-world problems faced by the healthcare system under conditions that assure both positive interdependence and individual accountability.