My Learning Reflections on PBL.

Hi all, I am on course to learn new things again... To start off, this is my learning team for this module (from left to right): Kok Kar, Choon Meng, Masih (top), myself, Royston.



Here are my reflections for this learning module, which is Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Process:

1. The PBL Process. In my opinion, many of us have experience this form of learning before during our early education years, though this module allows me to learn and understand this learning methodology in a more systematic and formatted manner. Personally, I felt that PBL is another effective learning process which focuses on individual or self-directed learning, collaborative learning among peers and at team level (including the facilitator), in-depth inquiry (on the problem) and using conceptual and creative thinking to generate possible solutions to the problem.

2. The KND Chart. I think this is one of my greatest takeaways from this module, although (again) we can identify this method of establishing learning issues and actionable items with other formats that we may have come across. It is a more systematic way to identify the learning issues vis-à-vis setting the learning objectives and I am keen to try it out with my trainees when we try to establish the learning goals or objectives prior to the lesson.

3. Possible Challenges. When being introduced with the PBL process at the start of this module, I was keen to explore incorporate PBL into the curriculums under our training institute’s purview. As time progresses, I felt that there would be several challenges hindering such an initiative, namely:

a. Revolutionalising the curriculum. Most of our military lessons are conducted in a structured and sequential manner delivered through an instructor-to-trainee format. More often than not, the trainees are inexperienced in military matters and also, such learning materials are not available or accessible from open sources, for e.g. internet or reference books. However, knowing that PBL works best when addressing content-intensive type of learning, it may be worth the effort to try converting some of our curriculum into problem-based-learning format and encourage our trainees to identify the problem and explore the solutions on their own.

b. Availability of Time. In the context of a military training institution, training time is always a premium especially so when SAF is a conscripted military organization (bulk of the forces is made of National Service Personnel). Every NSF will only serve a 2-years term at the age of 18 and thus time available for training courses must be optimal. PBL framework may require more implementation time as compared to other forms of learning methodologies.

Cheers and have fun learning...

John