» Principles and Practice of aPBL
» Jump Start Authentic Problem-Based Learning
» A Problem-Based Learning Module on Managing People at Work: A Learning Resource for Students
» Authentic Problem-Based Learning: Rewriting Business Education

Principles and Practice of aPBL
By: Howard S. Barrows and Wee Keng Neo Lynda
Singapore: Pearson Education, 2007

In today’s world, rising consumer expectations and intense competition are forcing companies to equip their employees with new weapons for the workplace creativity, curiosity, and an ethos of life-long learning. Authentic Problem-Based Learning (aPBL) promotes these essential skills in a realistic and relevant setting by having learners acquire and apply their knowledge and skills using authentic problems.

This book traces the evolution of the aPBL method all the way from its early days in McMaster’s medical faculty in Canada. At the same time, current misconceptions, myths and simplification of problem-based learning are addressed. However, it deals primarily with the educational processes and procedures of aPBL, and readers are encouraged to adapt and adopt these to best fit their needs and their goals for their students. Principles and Practice of aPBL is written for teachers, trainers and educators in all settings, and provides a comprehensive overview of this particular pedagogy from underlying concepts to practical skills such as problem and curriculum design.

“The book serves as a practical guide in laying out the step-by-step process of applying aPBL as a learning pedagogy in today’s educational environment. It takes a first-principle approach in detailing the design of aPBL programmes, linking the learning objective to the learning outcome in a systematic and logical manner. The book is also spot on in addressing the challenges of education today, which require learners not just to know and understand the content of the curriculum but also to build self-directed life-long learning capacity and to develop the ability to work in teams.”

Brigadier-General Jimmy Tan
Commandant, Singapore Armed Forces Military Institute

“This book presents an excellent overview of the concepts underlying PBL and the practical details. The authors provide ample notifications to enable educators interested in pursuing aPBL in any discipline, to further enhance problem-solving, self-renewal and teamwork skills in their students.”

Sukumal Chongthammakun
Associate Professor
Deputy Dean for Medical and Graduate Education
Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
Bangkok, Thailand

Jump Start Authentic Problem-Based Learning
By: Wee Keng Neo Lynda
Singapore: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004

How well is Authentic Problem-Based Learning (aPBL) understood by its facilitators? How ready are teachers in implementing aPBL in the classroom? Based on the aPBL approach, Jump Start Authentic Problem-Based Learning serves as a comprehensive, practical and easy-to-understand handbook to equip teachers to become competent and confident in applying aPBL to their classrooms.

At the beginning of each chapter, readers are presented with real, high-impact and frequently occurring teaching problems that they may encounter when implementing aPBL. Through the use of the aPBL process and templates, they are provided guidance in how to manage these problems. The book also showcases aPBL-in-action with testimonials from teachers who have implemented aPBL as an alternative to the traditional-lecture tutorial approach. In addition, the tried-and-tested templates at the end of each problem-based chapter serves as an effective resource to help teachers jumpstart their journey with aPBL.

“This book is based on the extensive experience that the author has in developing and facilitating her own aPBL courses…(it) ‘walks the talk’ in that you will be engaged in aPBL during your journey through the book…This excellent book provides the nuts and bolts details that are hard to find.”

Prof Donald R. Woods
Professor Emeritus
Chemical Engineering Department, McMaster University
Hamilton, Canada

This is a wonderful book for those who engage in PBL curriculum. PBL is a multi- (or even omni-) potent learning module in higher education. One of the key issues of any PBL curriculum is the “facilitator”. This book shows a good route-map on how to be a desirable educator/facilitator in PBL; it leads the steps of “theory-practice-reflection-improvement”. The core contents of this book cover beyond the borders of the disciplines.

Prof Tadahiko Hozu, M.D.
Professor Emeritus (Gastroenterology and Medical Education)
Advisor, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Japan

A Problem-Based Learning Module on Managing People at Work: A Learning Resource for Students
By: Wee Keng Neo Lynda
Singapore: Prentice Hall, 2003

While this resource book was written for first-year students at Republic Polytechnic (RP) doing the “Managing People At Work” module offered by the Centre for Innovation and Enterprise, it is a useful reference to any educator, parent or student who would like to find out more about how problem-based lessons are carried out in RP, the only educational institution in Singapore that offers problem-based modules across all disciplines.

The book includes the following areas:
- Clarifying the definition and approach of PBL
- Providing information on the curriculum design
- Explanation of the lesson plans
- Explanation of the assessment plan and rubrics

Authentic Problem-Based Learning: Rewriting Business Education
By: Wee Keng Neo Lynda & Kek Yih Chyn Megan Alexandria
Singapore: Prentice Hall, 2002

Authentic Problem-Based Learning (aPBL) is an educational philosophy that places the student at the centre stage of the learning experience to solve authentic problems that mirror real work demands. This is particularly relevant for business education today, especially since the goals of aPBL are to develop students in acquiring integrated knowledge, self-directed learning skills, problem-solving skills and teamwork skills. It promotes a culture of inquirers and replaces the culture of receivers.

This book serves as a manual for implementing authentic problem-based learning. It sets out the principles to follow in designing an authentic problem-based learning curriculum and guidelines in designing good problems. It also explains how to conduct small group authentic problem-based learning tutorials and how to design assessments that reflect the educational goals of authentic problem-based learning.

“This book is a bold move in taking the first step to innovate Higher Education for a better fit with the industry…With the boost to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs), we now need a new breed of graduates – people who believe that they can make things happen and make a difference. We seek graduates who are not afraid to think out of the box and work hard. They must be able to multi-task, innovate, adapt and work in teams. It is in this light that this book is a valuable asset and resource for educators in wanting to produce thinkers and doers who are capable in our rapidly changing environment.”

Seah Liang Chiang
President
Singapore Chapter 2001/2002 Young Entrepreneurs’ Organisation

“Innovation permeates all areas of public service. Education is not spared. People are Singapore’s best resource. This project promises to transform human capital to intellectual capital by exploring an innovative learning platform. This book is a by-product of the authors’ pilot project and clearly one that promotes knowledge and sharing. I would like to congratulate the authors for their bold and innovative work.”

Steven Bong
Head
The Enterprise Challenge
Prime Minister’s Office