Promoting and supporting PBL interests world wide: the profile of the UICEE Centre for Problem Based Learning

The UNESCO International Centre for Engineering Education, Centre for Problem Based Learning (UCPBL) is based at Aalborg University, Denmark, known worldwide for its successful educational approach based on problem oriented project work. Due to more than 30 years of experience in utilising Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Engineering Education, an increasing number of universities and engineering schools throughout the world are seeking consultancy and cooperation with Aalborg University. The establishment of UCPBL is therefore a timely opportunity to merge the efforts into one organisational structure aiming to promote and support PBL interests worldwide. This paper presents the UCPBL profile and plan of action. This includes a wide range of activities such as promoting research and development within the various PBL models and their implementation; Education and training in PBL through offering a Master degree as well as single courses in PBL; international consultancy on PBL to support and sustain the process of change at higher educational institutions that wish to renew their educational concepts towards a PBL approach. UCPBL Centre for Problem Based Learning is currently involved in a number of projects world wide focusing on institutional change toward a more student centred, project organised, and problem based approach to learning. The Centre is also establishing a UCPBL Global Network on Problem Based Learning in order to facilitate better access to and co-operation within the PBL area.