Problem-based learning for ethical and responsible social action in OT education at MSc level

This workshop aims to share, discuss (and maybe challenge) how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) can stimulate ethical and responsible social action in occupational therapy (OT) education at the master level. PBL underpins the European MSc in Occupational Therapy, delivered by five European universities. This pedagogical approach fosters self-directed individual and group learning, through small groupwork, seminars, and workshops, interlinked with lectures and self-study time. Faculty act as facilitators, guiding diverse international students who bring their cultural experiences, strengths and the social challenges they witness as occupational therapists and citizens. Staff ensure ‘problems’ are contemporary and challenge students to think critically. Students collaboratively explore real-world scenarios and/or participate in the community, identifying key issues, sharing knowledge, and developing solutions.The PBL cycle in each module concludes with a product informed by their evolving understanding, and prepares for the student for the subsequent modul assignment. This cross-institutional and international collaboration fosters innovation and reflection for students and faculty, fostering critical thinking and deeper engagement with contemporary developments in occupational therapy, occupational science and research. PBL offers opportunities for students to become change agents, advancing occupational therapy’s role in addressing local and global challenges. This approach highlights how curriculum design can support social action.