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V. Foreign Higher Education and Education Systems, International Relations, Bilateral Relations
B. Essays, Commentaries, Statements
Author RUE, Joan (FONT, Antoni; CEBRIAN, Gisela)
Title Towards high-quality reflective learning amongst law undergraduate students : analysing students' reflective journals during a problem-based learning course / Joan Rué, Antoni Font and Gisela Cebrián
Publication year 2013
Source/Footnote In: Quality in higher education. - 19 (2013) 2, S. 191 - 209
Inventory number 34912
Keywords Studentenschaft : Studienverhalten ; Lehre ; Didaktik
Abstract There is wide agreement that problem-based learning is a key strategy to promote individual abilities for ?learning how to learn?. This paper presents the main contributions that reflective journals and the problem-based learning approach can make to foster professional knowledge and quality learning in higher education. Thirty-six reflective journals and semi-structured interviews conducted with law undergraduate students participating in a problem-based learning course are analysed. The findings from this case study suggest that problem-based learning contributes to: improve professionalisation of vocational studies; develop general skills such as communication and teamwork; bridge the gap between theory and practice; and foster self-regulation and autonomous learning amongst students. Reflective journals, peers? cooperation and collaboration and the supportive role of educators are fundamental aspects of problem-based learning, which empower students in their own learning. Reflection nurtures the quality of learning and needs to be considered as an applicable learning strategy for professional and non-professional disciplines in higher education. (HRK / Abstract übernommen)