Efficacy of self assessment tools and reflective journals in problem based learning

Problem Based Learning (PBL) has attracted wide attention ever since its inception. Literature identifies PBL as one of the best alternative pedagogy to Instructive Learning (IL), whilst challenges in assessing the success of PBL have also been widely reported. Unlike Instructive Learning wherein examination is the major assessment component, PBL has number of components at its disposal: portfolio, oral presentations, interviews, role play, position paper, peer assessment, self assessment, reflective journal and so on. In the School of Engineering and Science at Victoria University, Australia, often combinations of these assessment techniques are used to facilitate effective learning.