Problem based learning bases on learning new things through real world problems. A case is presented to a small group, and the group is not expected to solve it with their existing knowledge. The group will determine which phenomena in the case they wish to examine further; they gather their previous knowledge of the fiels in question and try to build a preliminary explanatpry model to the phenomena. This process is known as the opening of a case. After the opening, each group member does independent studying on topics agreed with the group - also the course lectures are a part of this study time. In the closing session, the group goes through their findings, re-evaluates their model and the original problem setting, and assesses how they met the study goals set in the opening session.

More on problem-based learning:
http://www.samford.edu/pbl/what.html.

Cases

This course includes six cases, the first five kasting for one week. The last case lasts for two weeks and constitutes the course assignment (Oct. 20th - Nov. 5th, 1999). The sessions are on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and voluntary lectures are on Fridays. The cases will also be published here after the opening sessions.

The week-long cases are not graded, since their purpose is learning. The students are evaluated by the assignment and the final exam.

• Case 1: Many ways to mess things up
• Case 2: The ear hears, but the eye won't see
• Case 3: title currently unavailable
• Case 4: "And in the ens, the graphics designer will draw the user interface..."
• Case 5: title currently unavailable
• Case 6: title currently unavailable

Submissions

From each of their cases, the group will gather a list of accessed material and lists the central issues they learned. ( detailed instructions). This list is submitted (see submission instructions be e-mail to s72400@hut.fi On the day after the closig session by 13.00.

The PBL students will take the final exam (held as the course ends and regularly during examination weeks).