The implementation of problem-based learning as a preferred teaching methodology: an action-research view

The adoption of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) was laudably mandated by the WSU Senate due to the recognised benefits of the PBL methodology as used in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) over a number of years. The largest problem for the staff of the School of Tourism & Hospitality (SCOTH) of WSU was that there was a distinct lack of knowledge concerning, firstly, the theory behind the PBL methodology, and secondly, the practicalities of how and when this methodology was to be introduced to the cohort of students. In addition, there was some doubt concerning the adoption of a new and very different learning style by the student body. Accordingly, a decision was taken that PBL would be introduced to all the 1st year students at the Buffalo City (BC) Delivery site as part of their Lifestyle Management (LSM) offering. This particular approach was thought to offer the best option for a successful introduction of PBL, together with best chances of successful academic recovery if a fallback position was found to be necessary. Given that the facilitator of the subject would be intimately involved in the conception, the presentation of subject material, the collection of support material and of the rewriting of the support material, the evaluation and the ultimate reflection on its success, the progress of the initiation of PBL would be treated as an Action- Research project and would be logged and notated as such. Following a review of applicable literature and the ensuing analysis, this paper seeks to provide a documented history of the academic foundation to the decisions referred to above, and some insight into how the challenges experienced to date have been met. Progress to date is assessed and some reflections of the acceptance of the PBL methodology are put forward. A tentative plan for future progress is offered together with some proposals on the overcoming of anticipated challenges.