Creativity in Higher Education: Finding the Problem in Problem-Based Learning

Jensen, J. B. (2025). Creativity in Higher Education: Finding the Problem in Problem-Based Learning. Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education, 13(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.54337/ojs.jpblhe.v13i1.11015

Abstract

This article explores problem finding as a lens to highlight creativity in problem-based learning (PBL) in higher education. By discussing two empirical examples from two social science and humanities educational programs at Aalborg University, Denmark, a Deweyan, experiential learning approach is put into play with socio-cultural and socio-material learning perspectives to explore how materials may support students’ critical-creative problem inquiry.

The empirical analyses point to new insights for creativity in PBL as requiring students to build a certain basis of critical judgment to find problems, that is, competences to explore and question social and societal conventions, norms, and taken-for-granted worldviews, including those independent of the predefined objectives of their educational quests. The article points to the potentials of integrating materials and metaphors in PBL-project and group work to explore PBL and critical creativity as interconnected and, in some respects, mutual prerequisites for PBL in higher education.

https://doi.org/10.54337/ojs.jpblhe.v13i1.11015

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