This type of learning is an on-going, active process. The students of the group have the power to create as much knowledge as they desire. The students assume much of the responsibility for their own learning. It is an active, continuing process. Learning is a life-long process.
Prior knowledge is connected to new knowledge.
The typical style of medical school education that has occurred through the years is a grueling, task-oriented type of learning. I will describe two different examples where problem based learning is being effectively used. University of Mississippi School of Medicine Problem based learning has been used in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy since the fall of 1995. The conventional method of learning in the fifth year of the program has been replaced with a total problem based learning approach. The program works by dividing the class into small groups that meet for two hours, three times a week.