Utilization of problem-based learning in a capstone poultry science course

Capstone courses are utilized to measure the depth of knowledge students have acquired during their undergraduate studies. Problem-based learning (PBL) has been utilized in a variety of educational settings to stimulate thought processes for solving real-life situations. Combining these 2 educational philosophies allows an academic program the opportunity to assess itself, while preparing students to deal with real-life situations they will encounter in their careers. Working in teams, the students experience the dynamics of differing personalities and can develop communication and management skills necessary to work together to resolve the problem. The poultry industry seeks individuals who posses these skills for management training positions. Poultry science curricula offer an excellent opportunity for a capstone experience utilizing PBL. The Department of Poultry Science at Mississippi State University has utilized this concept in the Broiler Production course. Students were divided into teams and were required to provide the solution to a current issue facing a fictitious broiler company. The critical thinking skills, team-building skills, and communications skills of the students were enhanced by the PBL exercise.