Problem-Based Learning in Occupational Health & Safety: The Key to Fostering Critical Thinking and Creativity in Students
Authors
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Mohammad Hossein Ebrahimi
Environmental and Occupational Health Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1725-861X
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Vahid Gharibi
Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran and Environmental Industrial Pollutants Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9974-3060
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22100/ijhs.v11i2.1301Keywords:
Problem-Based Learning in Occupational Health & Safety: The Key to Fostering Critical Thinking and Creativity in StudentsAbstract
Aims: This letter highlights the importance of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) education as a means to develop critical thinking and creativity among students.
Methods: A narrative review of global PBL applications in OHS education and analysis of challenges in Iran’s educational system.
Findings: Traditional teaching methods inadequately prepare students for complex OHS challenges. PBL promotes active learning, problem-solving, and creativity, as demonstrated by successful implementations in universities such as Maastricht and McMaster. Barriers in Iran include faculty unfamiliarity, rigid curricula, and assessment systems focused on memorization.
Conclusion: Adoption of PBL, supported by faculty training, curriculum reform, modern technologies, and university-industry collaboration, is essential to cultivate competent OHS professionals in Iran.
References
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Servant-Miklos VF. A revolution in its own right: how Maastricht university reinvented problem-based learning. Health Professions Education. 2019;5(4):283-93. doi: 10.1016/j.hpe.2018.12.005
Noohi E, Abbaszadeh A, Sayed Bagher Madah S, Borhani F. Collaborative Learning Experiences in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Education: a Qualitative Study. Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences. 2013;2(4):255-67.
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