Eileen Pilliner

Perceptions of and Attitudes Towards Adoption Ofproblem-based Learning: Perceptions of Problem-based Learning and Attitudestowards Its Adoption Among ... Inseventh-day Adventist Schools in Florida Eileen Pilliner

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is a student-centeredinstructional approach that initiates learning bypresenting students with an ill-structured, real-lifeproblematic scenario from which they have to identifythe real problem. The scenario is structured aroundthe curriculum, which students acquire as they solvethe problem using their learning styles and multipleintelligences. In this research, the author found that manySeventh-day Adventist teachers are unaware of PBL andembrace a teacher-centered teaching philosophy. However, they do appear willing to learn about thisstudent-centered teaching method and to implement itin their classrooms despite perceived barriers. They indicate that they do not expect support fromtheir school systems, parents, and colleagues, aspreconditions to successful adoption. It appears that the major barriers to PBL adoptionare reflective of the teaching philosophy of theschool systems, parents, and teachers. If thesebarriers are addressed, it is likely to increase thepossibility that successful adoption of PBL will takeplace.