Consideration of Problem-Based Learning in Athletic Training Education

Context: Athletic training educators are faced with the tasks of assessing learning styles, preparing and delivering content, and assessing student learning. Within content delivery, some educators may subscribe to certain learning theories and teaching strategies. One teaching strategy that holds potential for athletic training education is problem-based learning, which is grounded in cognitive theory and aligns with the way in which athletic training students learn by constructing knowledge based on previous experiences. Objective: To describe problem-based learning, the theoretical basis for using problem-based learning in athletic training education, and provide examples of incorporating problem-based learning activities into an evaluation course. Background: Problem-based learning was first introduced at McMaster University in an attempt to better transition between what medical students were learning in the classroom and what they were experiencing in their clinical settings. Problem-based learning has been studied and found to be effective in health care education and can be considered by athletic training educators. Description: Problem-based learning is a philosophy as well as a teaching strategy that uses problem solving to learn both content and clinical skills. Students work independently and in small groups to acquire knowledge through problem solving. Problem-based learning challenges the idea that students need a reservoir of knowledge before being able to solve a complex problem. Clinical Advantage(s): Based on theory and research in health care education, problem-based learning can be used in athletic training education to improve students' abilities to construct knowledge, to be active learners, to collaborate, and to give them the skills to be lifelong learners. Conclusion(s): Athletic training educators can consider implementing problem-based learning into their curriculums to integrate the learning of content and clinical skills.