Evaluation of Health Profession Student Attitudes Toward an Online Nutrition Education Problem-Based Learning Module

Abstract

The intent of problem-based learning (PBL) is to increase student motivation to learn, to promote critical thinking and to teach students to learn with complexity. PBL encourages students to understand that there are no straightforward answers and that problem solutions depend on context. This paper discusses the experience of undergraduate health professional students who completed an online PBL module as part of a blended nutrition course. Data regarding satisfaction with the learning experience and group collaboration were collected from 134 participants using two survey instruments and open ended questions. Students felt that the PBL module increased their knowledge and allowed them to use information in a realistic setting. These findings suggest that online PBL can provide an interesting, effective, collaborative, and engaging learning experience for health care professional training.