Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

This study addresses the need to adopt teaching-learning approaches in physical therapy education that develop links between theory and clinical practice in a meaningful way. Problem-based learning (PBL) is presented as a useful way to educate physical therapy for the future. The essential character...

This study addresses the need to adopt teaching-learning approaches in physical therapy education that develop links between theory and clinical practice in a meaningful way. Problem-based learning (PBL) is presented as a useful way to educate physical therapy for the future. The essential characteristics of problem-based learning include: curricular organization around problems rather than disciplines; an integrated curriculum rather than one separated into clinical and theoretical components; and an inherent emphasis on cognitive skills as well as on knowledge. PBL as implemented in the health sciences, is an educational method in which the focus of learning is a small-group tutorial in which students work through health care scenarios. The goals of the health care scenarios are to provide a context for learning, to activate prior knowledge, to motivate students, and to stimulate discussion. Learning is student-centered rather than faculty-centered, and self-directed learning is emphasized. Whereas the former focuses on critical thinking and clinical judgement, the latter's emphasis is on clinical competency. The physical therapist (PT) program at Cheju Halla college is a partial integrated problem-based curriculum. The history and process of PBL in general and in the PT program are reviewed. Long-term advocates of PBL stress that it is the only known method for preparing future professionals to be able to adapt to change, learning how to reason critically, enabling a holistic approach to health.

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