PROBLEM BASED LEARNING IN INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMME

Problem based learning is the innovative learner-oriented instructional strategy in the arena of teacher education. It serves as a bridge between theoretical and practical aspects of teaching learning process. PBL was introduced as an alternative pupil-oriented method to the mainstream teacher-oriented method in the subject of ‘Teaching of Science’ in initial teacher training programme. The topic ‘Microteaching Skills’ was developed into two case studies to acquaint the prospective teachers with the real problems of the teaching-learning world. The present paper enunciates the process of developing the cases, implementing the PBL approach and evaluating outcomes of PBL. It was examined that PBL approach helped students in connecting the topic in their practicum experience. It was further reported that PBL students showed better understanding and retention power as compared to their non-PBL counterparts.