The application of problem-based learning to EAP
The origins of the course:
English for Biomedical
Science.
The approach depends on students' interest and enthusiasm, not any particular specialist knowledge
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It is problem-oriented.
Built on students' interests
Student-centered.
It is problem-oriented.
Group-based
Problem-based learning
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PBL is a problem, which requires an explanation or solution.
Students in groups discuss the problem and generate potential solutions.
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A PBL EAP course ❓
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Patient with a disease
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Groups consist of 3 or 4 students
They have to generate a problem
Problem is in the form of a disease
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Students have to give oral presentations
Other groups should take notes and ask questions
Moreover, other groups should provide written reports
PBL is a context-based approach, which treats learning in a contextual, holistic fashion, synthetic rather than analytic.
PBL has spread over 30 other areas from Biblical studies to high school economics
Other academic work also done, e.g. work on academic referencing, paraphrasing and critical freading.
Core features of PBL to EAP
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Contextualized learning vs. abstract and factual learning
Teaching and learning of the content rather than English
Very little emphasis on language and focus on for
Students discuss specialist medical areas.
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Tasks grow naturally out of the general problem to be solved, rather than being imposed by the teacher
Tasks flow seamlessly from one to another and are inherently integrated
In PBL tasks grow out of the student's learning situation.
Lack of expertise and background knowledge is no barrier to this approach
PBL combines students' interest and academic relevance but avoids boredom. It is more engaging