Paper Title
Problem based Learning: The Need for Healthcare Management Education
Abstract
To meet the paradigm shift of healthcare management practice, there is a need to adopt a new curriculum that is
learner-centered, promotes self-directed learning, and enhances active learning strategies. The problem-based learning
approach is characterized as a student-centered approach in which small groups are guided by a facilitator to solve a
professionally relevant issue or problem. It assists learners in acquiring, managing, and integrating knowledge, as well as
solving problems independently. It also helps learners connect the new content with their prior knowledge and are engaged in
the cooperative learning activities efficiently. The important roles of a facilitator are to empower learners to acquire new
knowledge, cultivate problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-directed learning skills, as well as improve group
interdependence. There are factors for example student characteristics, quality of problem design, formative feedback, and
technology-enhanced learning environment affecting students’ learning approaches and outcomes. Several empirical research
studies are examined and presented to highlight the contributions of the problem-based learning from various aspects. Despite
the mixed results shown in the past research, the emerging need for transforming healthcare management education is
indisputable.
Index Terms - Problem-based learning, critical thinking, healthcare management, self-directed learning.