What Is Problem-Based Learning?

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic, learner-centered approach that transforms interactive case discussions into active discovery. Through collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world clinical cases, PBL empowers educators and clinicians to teach — and learn — with deeper impact.

Transforming Education Through Engagement and Critical Thinking

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an interactive, case-based teaching approach where participants work collaboratively to solve real-world clinical challenges. Guided by a skilled facilitator, learners analyze cases, apply evidence-based reasoning, and develop teamwork and communication skills that translate directly to improved patient outcomes.
Unlike traditional lecture formats, PBL places the learner at the center of the experience—promoting inquiry, discussion, and lifelong learning.

Engage

Learners explore realistic case scenarios and key clinical challenges.

Collaborate

Groups analyze and discuss, guided by a trained facilitator.


Apply Evidence

Strengthen facilitation, communication, and evidence-based teaching skills that last.

Reflect & Refine

Facilitators debrief, reinforcing clinical insight and teamwork skills.

Leaders in Medical PBL Training

For more than 30 years, The Problem-Based Learning Institute has advanced continuing medical education by training pharmaceutical speaker bureaus, clinicians, and faculty across leading academic and professional organizations. Our methods are proven to increase learner engagement, retention, and satisfaction—helping elevate educational outcomes across a myriad of specialties and disease states.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our Problem-Based Learning programs?
Explore answers to some of the most common inquiries about our methods, training formats, and how PBLI partners with pharmaceutical companies, university departments and CME organizations.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an interactive, case-driven teaching method that engages participants in real-world clinical problems. Most PBL case presentations are followed by a brief “mini-lecture” in context to the PBL case. Instead of traditional lectures alone, learners work interactively and collaboratively to analyze, discuss, and solve cases — guided by trained facilitators. This approach enhances critical thinking, retention, and clinical application.

After most PBL case presentations, a post-PBL mini lecture succinctly summarizes and reinforces key concepts, data and practice guidleines in context to the case.

This approach is based upon the Socratic method; it began at Harvard and McMaster over 50 years ago and has spread to every U.S. medical school and many abroad as well.

PBL conforms to true adult learning principles while traditional didactic lectures alone do not.

PBLI programs are ideal for pharmaceutical speaker bureaus, medical educators, CME organizations, and university faculty. Our training equips participants with the techniques and confidence to lead highly effective, discussion-based learning sessions.

We offer two main options:

  • Teach the Teachers™ — a one-day, in-person seminar for up to 50 participants.
  • Virtual PBL Refresher Training — delivered through one two-hour refresher session online only for those perviously trained.
  • Both formats use the same evidence-based methodology and hands-on approach.

Absolutely. Our team collaborates with your pharmaceutical team, university faculty or CME committee to develop clinically relevant, customized PBL cases. These cases can be developed in any speciality or disease state. These cases align with your organization’s learning objectives, clinical priorities, and audience needs.

“Blended PBL” has been proven to drive stronger learning outcomes than passive lectures alone. By actively engaging learners in group problem solving, PBL improves comprehension, long-term retention, collaboration and real-world behavior change.

PBLI has over 30 years of experience and has delivered our signature Teach the Teachers™ workshop more than 80 times to leading pharmaceutical companies, CME groups, and university departments nationwide.

The most effective sessions require breakout groups in multiples of 6 each with a trained PBL facilitator, allowing for strong interaction and personalized feedback. Larger groups can be accommodated with advanced planning for a full day of training.

SDM is a collaborative process that allows patients and their providers to make health care decisions together, taking into account:

•The best scientific evidence available, as well as 

•The patient’s values and preferences.

There are the (6) steps for Shared Decision Making.

  • (1)Determine if a decision is appropriate for SDM
  • (2) Establish Misinformation
  • (3) Offer Choices with Pros and Cons
  • (4) Provide Options
  • (5) Elicit Patient Preferences & Decisions
  • (6) Discuss Next Steps

You can request a custom proposal or sample Teach the Teachers™ agenda through our Contact Page. We’ll tailor your session format, duration, and content to fit your organization’s goals.

Ready to Bring PBL to Your Organization?

Empower your educators and teams with the proven methods of Problem-Based Learning. PBLI partners with organizations to design, train, and deliver programs that transform engagement and outcomes.

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