Problem-based learning: a review of the educational and psychological theory

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a teaching method where the use of clinical problems is the starting point for learning, and it is through the process of working through these problems that students acquire the knowledge and skills required to be a doctor.

Many advantages of PBL over traditional curricula have been proposed. On reviewing the evidence on the results of PBL curricula for producing better doctors, students tend to perform either a little better or a little worse in examinations. In this article the educational and psychological theories supporting PBL are described.

There is a wealth of theory underpinning the use of PBL to teach clinical medicine, despite disappointing results. Future research should concentrate on the reasons behind this uncoupling of theory and outcomes.