Online journal marks another plus for UD's PBL leadership

Long recognized as a national leader in the field of problem-based learning (PBL), UD again has taken the initiative and has created Problem-Based Learning Clearinghouse, which is believed to be the first online PBL journal of this type in the nation and possibly the world.

"Over the years, the University of Delaware has developed an international reputation in the use of problem-based and active-learning strategies in the classroom," Bobby Gempesaw, vice provost of academic programs and planning said. "The creation of the Clearinghouse will firmly establish the University as the nation's leader in this field. I believe this provides an exciting opportunity for faculty to excel in the scholarship of teaching. I commend the group led by George Watson and Barbara Duch for their vision in establishing the PBL Clearinghouse."

Barbara Duch, Center for Mathematics and Science Education Resource Center, serves as editor-in-chief and George Watson, physics and astronomy, is managing editor of Clearinghouse. The two have been working on the project for two years.

Problem-based learning originated in medical schools, but UD has been in the forefront in encouraging its use in the classroom, according to Watson. Based on seeking solutions to real world problems, working cooperatively in groups, thinking critically and finding and using learning resources, PBL encourages innovative methods of teaching.

According to Duch, one of the needs in the PBL field has been an available database of case studies and problems by faculty members. Clearinghouse will feature case studies and teaching notes and supplemental materials will accompany each problem to help teachers adapt PBL to their classrooms.

Sample problems on Clearinghouse include a physics problem that uses a rear-end auto accident to help non science majors understand forces, motion and mechanical energy and a political science problem that has students responding to the economic crisis currently facing many African countries.

"We have previewed Clearinghouse for different groups, and the reaction has been very positive," Duch said. "There has been a strong need for this kind of journal and database."

Clearinghouse will encourage PBL learning in undergraduate settings around the world by disseminating information and encouraging faculty to share their experiences, their problems and their successes in problem-based learning, Watson said.

Faculty members from other schools are encouraged to submit case studies and problems, which will be viewed by Clearinghouse editors and then submitted for peer review before being published online.

Serving as topical editors are Deborah E. Allen, biological sciences; Gretchen M. Bauer, political science and international relations; Susan E. Groh, chemistry and biochemistry; Sherry L. Kitto, plant and soil sciences; and Elizabeth M. Lieux, nutrition and dietetics.

The peer-review process offers a good opportunity for faculty to publish material related to the scholarship of teaching, Watson said.

The staff of Management Information Services, including Carl Jacobson, Eric Abbott, Joy Lynam and Maria Mullin, have been invaluable in establishing Clearinghouse online, Duch said.

The web site also features information about the University and its expertise in the area of PBL.

Clearinghouse is free but is secure and may be accessed only by faculty members of colleges and universities or others in the education field. It is funded by the Pew Charitable Trust, with matching funds from the University and Unidel Foundation.

To learn more about Clearinghouse, visit the web site at [http://www.udel.edu/pblc/].

This new initiative builds on a history of achievement in this field. UD has received the Hesburgh Certificate of Excellence, major grants from the National Science Foundation, funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Pew Charitable Trusts. In addition, Watson was named 1998 Delaware Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for the Advancement of Science and Education. In addition, teams of educators from all over the world have come to UD to learn about PBL.

–Sue Moncure