Problem-Based Learning and Civic Engagement—Shifting the Focus of Learning in Public Policy Education

This article describes the development of an innovative teaching method to help political science students deepen their comprehension of public policy through engaging with real world scenarios. It describes the development of a constructivist learning environment (CLE) (Jonassen, 1999) for students...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PS, political science & politics political science & politics, 2013-07, Vol.46 (3), p.630-636
Main Authors: McInerney, Chris, Adshead, Maura
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citizen Participation
Classrooms
Education politics
Educational Environment
Irish politics
Knowledge Level
Knowledge Management
Learner engagement
Learning
Outcomes of education
Political science
Politics
Problem Based Learning
Public policy
Resistance (Psychology)
Service Learning
Teaching methods
THE TEACHER
Thinking Skills
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Summary:This article describes the development of an innovative teaching method to help political science students deepen their comprehension of public policy through engaging with real world scenarios. It describes the development of a constructivist learning environment (CLE) (Jonassen, 1999) for students in a postgraduate public policy module, fashioned by integrating a problem-based learning (PBL) approach with civic engagement processes. The article concludes by examining the potential of this approach as a teaching method and reflecting on student and staff feedback as well as on benefits described by partner organizations and the broader public.
ISSN:1049-0965
1537-5935
DOI:10.1017/S1049096513000620