From Problems to Effective Learning
How can we design classes that engage students, foster their independence and prepare them to solve real-world problems?
The Blended Intensive Programme “Problem-Based Learning in Academic Education” is an intensive professional development programme for academic teachers who wish to introduce the PBL methodology into their teaching practice.
The programme combines theoretical knowledge with the practical design of educational activities. Participants will learn how to prepare, deliver, evaluate and validate problem-based learning processes. They will then develop solutions that can be applied to specific courses and study programmes.
Key Information
Total programme duration: 60 hours
On-site component: 40 hours
Online workshops: 20 hours
Location of the on-site component: Medical University of Gdańsk, UCS Building
Dates: 7th – 11th September, 2026
Language: English
Application deadline: 24th August, 2026
Who Is the Programme For?
The programme is intended primarily for:
- academic teachers and lecturers;
- staff involved in designing or modernising curricula;
- course and study programme coordinators;
- staff delivering practical, clinical, project-based or problem-based classes.
No previous experience in teaching with the Problem-Based Learning methodology is required.
What Will Participants Learn?
Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
- design classes and educational modules using the PBL methodology;
- develop problems and cases aligned with the intended learning outcomes;
- plan teaching processes based on student teamwork;
- act as supervisors and facilitators of the learning process;
- distinguish between facilitating a group and managing it in a traditional way;
- apply effective communication and feedback methods;
- evaluate the implementation and outcomes of PBL-based classes;
- plan the introduction of PBL into a specific course or educational cycle.
Programme
- Introduction to Problem-Based Learning
- Designing PBL-Based Classes
- Delivering the PBL Process
- Supervisor Competences
- Communication and Feedback
- Evaluation and Validation
- Practical Workshops
Learning Format
The programme will be delivered in a blended-learning format, combining intensive on-site sessions with online workshops.
Participants will work individually and in teams, analyse case studies, take part in simulations and design their own educational solutions.
An important element of the programme will be the exchange of experience among academic teachers representing different universities and fields of education.
Expected Outcome
Each participant will develop a concept for implementing Problem-Based Learning in a selected course, module or educational cycle.
The final output may include:
- a PBL class scenario;
- a description of an educational problem or case;
- a student work plan;
- a set of questions supporting the facilitation process;
- a method for evaluating and validating learning outcomes;
- an implementation schedule for introducing PBL into the participant’s classes.
Why Participate?
Participation in the programme will enable academic teachers not only to understand the principles of PBL, but also to prepare a solution ready for use in their own teaching practice.
The programme offers an opportunity to:
- develop a modern academic teaching toolkit;
- increase student engagement and responsibility;
- connect education more effectively with real-world professional problems;
- develop students’ communication, analytical and teamwork skills;
- exchange experience in an international environment;
- establish cooperation with academic teachers from partner universities.
Recruitment
To apply, candidates are required to:
- complete the application form;
- briefly describe their teaching experience;
- indicate the course or subject area in which they intend to apply PBL.
Application form: BIP: Problem-Based Learning in Academic Education – Complete the form
Application deadline: 24th August, 2026
Announcement of results: 28th August, 2026
Number of available places: 24
Contact
For organisational and academic enquiries, please contact:
ACE²-EU Alliance Office
Medical University of Gdańsk
3a M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street
Room 110, first floor
80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
(+48) 58 349 90 71
(+48) 58 349 90 59
ace2-eu@gumed.edu.pl
Join the programme and design classes in which students not only acquire knowledge, but also learn how to analyse problems, collaborate and independently develop solutions.