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Problem Based Learning (PBL) at Aalborg University

At Aalborg University students work in groups applying problem oriented methods in preparing projects of a high academic standard according to the pedagogical model of the University - the Aalborg model for problem based learning .

Problem Based Learning (PBL) at Aalborg University

At Aalborg University students work in groups applying problem oriented methods in preparing projects of a high academic standard according to the pedagogical model of the University - the Aalborg model for problem based learning .

Benefits of the Aalborg PBL model

The PBL-based pedagogical model of the University has become both nationally and internationally recognised by universities, researchers and students as an advanced and efficient learning model. Thus, UNESCO has placed its only Danish Chair in PBL at Aalborg University. AAU will continue to develop and adapt the Aalborg PBL Model to meet the societal and educational demands and changes. This learning model provides AAU students with the possibility of:

  • Acquiring knowledge and skills independently and at a high academic level
  • Working analytically and according to interdisciplinary and problem and result oriented methods
  • Cooperating with the business community on the solution of authentic professional problems
  • Developing their abilities within teamwork
  • Becoming well prepared for the labour market
  • Working with complex and global issues e.g. connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
     

Principles for digitally supported PBL 

To ensure our students the best competences to navigate in a modern world, we introduce the AAU Principles for Digitally supported PBL. 

To ensure our students the best competences to navigate in a modern world, where physical and digital practices evolve together, leading to new hybrid formats and opportunities, we work with principles for digitally supported PBL. The hybrid aspect not only concerns the merging of physical and digital spaces, but should also be understood as new combinations of, for example, education and the outside world, internal and external collaborations, formal and informal learning. The intention is not that principles for digitally supported PBL should replace or operate as a parallel track, but rather: 

  • The principles should challenge and expand upon existing principles and strategic actions
  • The principles should inspire and open up new possibilities
  • The principles should be considered for the development of “next practice”
  • The principles reflect a value-based approach to work on the digitalisation of education 

The Institute for Advanced Study in PBL

The Institute for Advanced Study in PBL (IAS PBL) is a cross-faculty unit that aims to strengthen the quality and development of PBL research and practice across AAU. IAS PBL functions as a hub for research, knowledge sharing, competence development, collaboration and experiments with PBL.

Visit IAS PBL