Becoming a student in a PBL course: twelve tips for successful group discussion

Problem-based learning (PBL) serves as an educational method to foster self-directed learning, integration across disciplines, small-group learning and decision-making strategies. The approach is student centred. During the discussion of a PBL case there are a number of important issues to be considered by students, such as keeping ground rules, knowing their roles, keeping group dynamics, becoming a purposeful learner, planning how to use tutors' feedback to enhance group discussion and boost student's learning skills, as well as striving to become a winning team. This paper provides 12 practical tips to PBL students to enhance their skills in discussing a case in their group.