University graduates with excellent problem-solving skills will be in high demand because they show characteristics of an expert problem-solver. Therefore, university students should improve their ability to think critically, analytically, creatively, and innovatively. Problem-solving skills, like any other skills, could be improved by learning and applying a wide variety of methods, techniques, procedures, or heuristics. Students should also improve other skills: awareness of thinking processes, communication, working in a multidisciplinary group, as well as self and peer-assessment. In this course, class participants are expected to apply problem-solving strategies in solving real-life problems and case studies either as an individual or as a group assignment.

• Develop an understanding of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) learning method to direct independent learning.
• Communicate effectively and work in groups.
• Develop critical, creative, and innovative thinking abilities.
• Gain the intellectual ability to solve problems effectively both individually and in groups.

• Introduction to PBL
• Individual problem-solving concepts
• Problem-solving concepts in groups

1. Woods, D. R., 1994, Problem based learning: How to gain the most from PBL, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8.
2. Journal or articles related to each PBL problem.