Problem-Based Learning: Preparing Doctoral Students for Dissertation Research

• In Event: Roundtable Session 48
  In Roundtable Session: Professors of Educational Research SIG Roundtable: Multidisciplinary Research Approaches and Perspectives

Abstract

This study examined doctoral students’ perceptions of problem-based learning in a graduate research methods program and in a traditional program. The study was conducted in colleges of education at two universities; one university used a problem-based learning research methods program and the other used a traditional approach. Results revealed that students who participated in a problem-based learning program felt more prepared and more confident in designing a dissertation compared to students in a traditional program. However, students in both programs reported similar beliefs about their ability to conduct research independently and to write and interpret their findings.

Authors

• Suzanne Young, University of Wyoming

• Courtney McKim, University of Wyoming

• Eric D. Teman, University of Wyoming