Journal of Orthodontics, Vol. 29, No. 2, 151,
June 2002
© 2002 British Orthodontic Society
Problem Based Learning: Case Studies, Experience and Practice
P. Schwartz, S. Mennin and G. Webb (Eds) Kogan Page, 2001 182 pp., Paperback, £19.99 ISBN 0749434929
R. G. Oliver
This is a multi-author book that provides a valuable resource for those who already undertake PBL within their curriculum or for those who are planning its introduction. The book is divided into three sections; Political, Administrative and Resource Issues; Issues Relating to Teachers; Issues Relating to Students. Within each section are seven or eight chapters exploring different facets of the issues falling under the section's title. Each chapter is arranged into three parts. Part 1 describes a particular problem that is based on the real life experiences of the chapter's author(s). At the end of Part 1 the reader is invited to stop and answer some questions relating to the situation described in Part 1. Part 2 then goes on to describe how the author(s) addressed the situation and its outcome. The reader is then invited to reflect on the described outcome and explore alternative strategies of their own. The final part is reflective comment by the author(s) and a small number of relevant references. The way in which the book has been planned reflects neatly the way in which PBL should be applied.
The editors have persuaded at least one author of each chapter to provide an email address for readers to make contact. The editors have included their own email address and you get the feeling that they really would like you to make contact.
If you are planning to introduce PBL, then this book will help you understand the difficulties that you may face and provide you with a range of counter-arguments to overcome the doubters. If you have already introduced PBL, then read this book to help you develop further. Highly recommended.
