What is problem-based learning?  
Sinclair’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program is being taught using a problem-based format.  Problem-based learning is simply a different way to structure instruction. The principle idea behind this method is that the starting point for learning should be a problem, an issue or a puzzle that the learner wishes to solve.  Students are given carefully formulated problems, issues and situations.  Their learning is self-directed and provides the information needed to solve the problem.

 Competencies that problem-based learning promotes are:
  ·         Adapting to and participating in change
 ·         Dealing with problems, making reasoned decisions in unfamiliar
       situations
  ·         Reasoning critically and creatively
  ·         Adopting a more universal or holistic approach
  ·         Practicing empathy, appreciating the other person’s point of view
  ·         Collaborating productively in groups or teams
  ·         Identifying own strengths and weaknesses and understanding
       appropriate remediation, e.g. through continuing self-directed
       learning.

Learning within a problem-based curriculum is:
 ·         Active-Students pose their own questions and seek the
       respective answers
 ·         Integrated-Subjects are not presented separately but are 
       available for study as they relate to a problem and/or real-life
       situation
 ·         Cumulative-No subject or topic is studied in depth at any one
       time.  Information is reinforced repeatedly with increasing
       complexity whenever it is appropriate to contribute to problem
       solving.  Students achieve a growing familiarity through a
       sequence of learning experiences that are relevant to the
       student’s goals.
  ·         Progressive-Problems and learning changes as the student
       matures
  ·         Consistent-Students learn for understanding, rather than for
       recall of isolated facts.  They have many opportunities to
       practice the application of what has been learned.