THE POTENTIAL FOR PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING IN PHARMACY EDUCATION - A CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS COURSE IN DIABETES

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is an alternate method of instruction tha t incorporates basic elements of cognitive learning theory. Colleges o f pharmacy can utilize PBL to aid anticipated learning outcomes and pr actice competencies of entry level pharmacists. Traditionally, PBL is taught in a small group environment, by a facilitator or tutor, and re quires active learning. A course in PBL relates basic knowledge to app lied knowledge while building mental models in long-term memory that a re easily retrieved. Learning, in this manner, enhances cognitive skil ls required during critical thinking, fundamental reasoning, sound dec ision making, and problem solving. The key elements to the interdiscip linary course in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are objectives that prompt the students to develop or reformulate declarative and procedural knowled ge in such a way that students' cognitive strategies are enhanced. Thi s article provides a comprehensive review of the fundamentals of probl em-based learning and describes a program design for teaching diabetes therapy using PBL.