Problem-Based Learning, Group Process and the Mid-career Professional: Implications for Graduate Education

Problem-based learning (PBL) is becoming increasingly popular as a method of educating professionals, although its use is more widespread at undergraduate pre-service levels than in graduate education. Existing literature tends to focus upon delivery methods and student achievement at the conclusion of a PBL-based course, and little research addresses the potential of PBL to meet the needs of professionals at graduate levels. This paper focuses on a Master of Arts in leadership program centered on PBL, presenting a study of mid-career professionals' perceptions of their long-term learning attributed to PBL experiences. Participants involved program graduates, experienced professionals from a broad range of disciplines including health care, education, social services, military and peace-keeping forces, and business management. Questionnaires distributed among program graduates ( N = 166) and follow-up interviews with twenty respondents yielded themes supporting the effectiveness of problem-based learning in developing particular skills and understandings. Students perceived their most valuable learnings were related to two main areas: group process and self-knowledge (including sub-themes of learning to understand different perspectives, to cooperate, to lead small groups, to manage conflict, self-awareness, confidence, and systems thinking). Both areas were claimed by students to be valuable in their professional practice over the long term. The article closes with practical implications of these findings for professional education.