Problem-based Learning in Higher Education - Practical Guide

In this review of New Approaches to Problem-based Learning: Revitalising Your Practice in Higher Education, the bottom line is clear: this is a pragmatic, theory-informed companion for educators who want to refresh or deepen their problem-based learning practice. It is aimed at university instructors and curriculum developers seeking concrete classroom accounts and evidence-backed ideas rather than a brief overview. The book brings together experienced and emerging voices, making it especially valuable for those looking to translate PBL theory into usable classroom strategies.

Key Features

• Practical accounts: Chapters provide first-hand descriptions of how PBL methods play out in real higher education settings so readers can adapt examples directly.
• Varied perspectives: Contributions from leading and new practitioners give a range of approaches that help readers choose methods suited to different disciplines.
• Theoretical grounding: Each chapter links practice to an evidence base so readers understand why approaches work as well as how to use them.
• Focus on revitalisation: The book targets educators who already use PBL and need fresh ideas to re-energise curricula and student engagement.
• Practical guidance: Chapters consistently aim to translate principles into classroom-ready suggestions for learning activities and course design.

Who It's For

This book is best for higher education lecturers, module leaders and curriculum designers who already value active learning and want detailed, experience-led guidance to refine PBL practice. It suits both multi-disciplinary readers and those looking for inspiration to reshape existing problem-based modules.

Readers seeking a quick primer on PBL theory or a short how-to checklist may find the coverage more substantial and reflective than they need; similarly, those after tightly prescriptive step-by-step lesson plans should expect narrative case studies and evidence rather than exhaustive templates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Useful practitioner stories that make it straightforward to imagine applying techniques in different courses.
• Strong linking of classroom practice to research, which supports informed adaptation of methods.
• Range of contributor voices offers alternative approaches suitable across disciplines.

Cons

• Not a brief quick-start guide, so readers seeking concise checklists may need to extract practical points themselves.

Specifications

Title	New Approaches to Problem-based Learning: Revitalising Your Practice in Higher Education
Authors	Terry Barrett, Sarah Moore
Subject	Problem-based learning in higher education
Audience	University educators and curriculum developers
Content style	Practitioner accounts with theoretical and evidence base
Use case	Revitalising and energising PBL curricula

Our Verdict

This collection is a well-rounded, practical resource for higher education instructors who want to revitalise their PBL curricula. It balances classroom narratives and research so readers gain both ideas and justification for change, making it a worthwhile investment for those ready to adapt and innovate their teaching practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for new PBL practitioners?
Yes, newcomers will find clear accounts of practice, though they should expect reflective case studies rather than a short how-to checklist.

Does the book include theoretical support?
Each chapter links practice to theory and evidence so readers understand the rationale behind approaches.

Will it help redesign a whole course?
The book offers ideas and practical examples that can inform course redesign, particularly for educators aiming to revitalise existing PBL modules.