Educator Perspective
Educators in colleges and universities are passionate about their field of expertise. These experts want students and learn, they want to share as much knowledge as possible with others. The traditional lecture format was loved yet hated by professors because of its convenience to teach masses at once but that did not give the greater probability of retention to the whole student body. Instructors carry a lot of weight in the traditional lecture format but the implementation of the problem-based method eliminates some of that responsibility by sharing it with students. Amy Rubens, assistant English professor in South Carolina, shares her personal experience with problem-based learning. Ruben claims, “the teacher guides students through this process, and so he or she acts more as a facilitator, coach, or tutor” (para 12). The creation of this dynamic within the classroom is positive because students will feel more comfortable to seek out help which will lead to a greater success. The more conversation within a class is positively associated with greater learning gains. For example, there’s a greater chance that a doubt that many students have will be addressed at some point. Educators support problem-based learning because of the healthy and engaging dynamic created within their classrooms.
St.Patrick’s College of Education affiliate, Mulryan-Kyne, claims it will be difficult to implement new teaching styles because of tradition with lectures and it would require more of a time investment from staff members (175). Many instructors fear change. It is difficult for anyone to break out of an old habit, therefore, problem-based learning is well-liked by professors. Problem-based learning only requires little change in an instructor’s teaching because they are able to maintain their comfortable, lecture-style format. Not only is there a hesitation to change the traditional teaching method but there is a belief that the traditional way is the best and easiest way to teach the masses, as we see an increase in student population. Again, due to the fact that the lecture format is kept within the classroom, teachers are able to continue teaching large classes as need be.
