The Need for Standardization, Reliability and Validity in Fundamental Roots for a Successful Problem-Based Learning Program

Abstract

McMaster University has introduced the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in medical education over half a century ago. Since then, hundreds of reviews and study reports have identified many critical issues affecting the success of the PBL unit. Nonetheless, we are still debating the efficacy and success of the PBL program. Over half of all medical schools globally have introduced various versions of PBL pedagogy in their medical education program achieving assorted modifications of outcomes. In this paper, I have reviewed from many scholars and through their publications; I have identified eight important Fundamental Roots for a successful PBL program. The success of any PBL program must be evaluated as a whole from the perspective of Standardization, Reliability and Validity working synchronously between these fundamental roots and not the individual PBL unit. The importance of Standardization must consider all the critical issues identified in many reviews and study reports. These issues are one of many factors when incorporated into the fundamental framework of a PBL program will regulate all PBL units in a unified outcome. The educational objective principles will guide the reliability of a PBL program by meeting the institutional mission and students' career success goals. The "Assessment as Learning" should incorporate the "Holistic and Divergent Approach" and the longitudinal "Progress Testing". These are the principle methods of evaluation to achieve a reliable and valid outcome assessment in a successful PBL program.