Journal Article

Practice and effectiveness of web-based problem-based learning approach in a large class-size system: A comparative study

Zhang, Peili, Ding, Yongxia

2018

Overview

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an effective and highly efficient teaching approach that is extensively applied in education systems across a variety of countries. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of web-based PBL teaching pedagogies in large classes. The cluster sampling method was used to separate two college-level nursing student classes (graduating class of 2013) into two groups. The experimental group (n = 162) was taught using a web-based PBL teaching approach, while the control group (n = 166) was taught using conventional teaching methods. We subsequently assessed the satisfaction of the experimental group in relation to the web-based PBL teaching mode. This assessment was performed following comparison of teaching activity outcomes pertaining to exams and self-learning capacity between the two groups. When compared with the control group, the examination scores and self-learning capabilities were significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.01) compared with the control group. In addition, 92.6% of students in the experimental group expressed satisfaction with the new web-based PBL teaching approach. In a large class-size teaching environment, the web-based PBL teaching approach appears to be more optimal than traditional teaching methods. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of web-based teaching technologies in problem-based learning. •Wed-based Problem-based learning is an effective and highly efficient teaching approach.•Practice and effectiveness of the web-based problem-based learning (PBL) teaching mode.•Web-based PBL has better performance than traditional teaching methods.

• Publisher: Elsevier Ltd,Elsevier Limited
• Subject: Case Studies / Class size / Classes / Cognitive style / Collaboration / College students / Communication / Comparative analysis / Comparative studies / Control groups / Cost control / Course Content / Educational activities / Educational Measurement - statistics & numerical data / Educational Resources / Educational systems / Effectiveness / Experiments / Groups / Humans / Internet / Knowledge / Large class-size teaching environment / Learning / Learning Processes / Nursing / Nursing education / Personal Satisfaction / Problem based learning / Problem solving / Problem-Based Learning - methods / Professional Education / Sampling / Satisfaction / School environment / Self instruction / Self-learning capacity / Students / Students, Nursing / Surveys and Questionnaires / Teaching / Teaching methods / Tests / Web-based teaching