By Professor Ranjith W Pallegama, BDS, PhD and Professor Lakshman Samaranayake Hon DSc (Pera), FRCPath, DDS, Dean and Professor Emeritus Universities of Hong Kong and Queensland Australia, Consultant, World Bank PBL Project, Indonesia

The world is changing faster than ever before, and the future of work will look very different from what we know today. Experts predict that 30% of people in the workforce will change their careers annually, with the average person likely to have multiple career paths throughout their life. This trend is even stronger among Gen Z, who are expected to juggle multiple jobs during their working years. In Sri Lanka, where economic and social challenges are already shaping the lives of young people, it is critical to prepare them for these rapid changes. However, the big question is: Can Sri Lanka’s education system meet these modern demands?

For years, the country has relied heavily on traditional, teacher-led methods that focus on memorization. While this system has helped many students gain theoretical knowledge, it falls short in teaching essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. To prepare students for the future, Sri Lanka must embrace modern teaching methods like Problem-Based Learning (PBL) that emphasize experiential learning, problem-solving, and collaboration key skills in a fast-evolving, tech-driven world.

What is Problem-Based Learning (PBL)?

Problem-Based Learning is a teaching method that encourages students to learn by solving real-world problems. Instead of passively listening to lectures, students work in teams to analyze challenges, find solutions, and apply their knowledge. In this setup, the teacher acts as a guide, helping students navigate the problem rather than directly teaching them.

PBL was first introduced in the 1980s at McMaster University in Canada to train medical students. Since then, it has been adopted by many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In places like Hong Kong, PBL is part of education at every level—primary, secondary, and university. Most schools use a “hybrid curriculum,” where PBL is combined with traditional teaching methods to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

Why Does Sri Lanka Need PBL?

Sri Lanka’s current education system faces several challenges:

• Overemphasis on memorization: Students are taught to focus on exams rather than practical skills.
• Lack of critical thinking: The system doesn’t encourage creative problem-solving.
• Skills gap: There is a mismatch between what students learn and the skills needed for modern jobs.
• Inequality: There is a big gap between well-funded schools and those in rural or underprivileged areas.

Even though private and international schools in Sri Lanka, such as those offering the International Baccalaureate (IB), have embraced experiential learning, public schools are still lagging behind. By integrating PBL into the public education system, students across the country can develop essential skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, and self-directed learning.

Benefits of Problem-Based Learning

Implementing PBL in schools can bring several advantages:

1. Improved critical thinking: PBL trains students to analyze problems and find innovative solutions.
2. Better knowledge retention: Students remember concepts better because they learn by doing.
3. Practical skills: PBL bridges the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications.
4. Collaboration: Working in groups helps students develop teamwork and communication skills.
5. Adaptability: By solving real-world problems, students become more prepared to handle career changes.
6. Lifelong learning: PBL encourages students to take ownership of their education, making them independent learners.

How Can Sri Lanka Introduce PBL?

For PBL to succeed in Sri Lanka, a step-by-step approach is needed:

1. Train teachers: Teachers must learn how to guide students in PBL classrooms. Programs like those offered by UNESCO or the South Asian Centre for Teacher Development can play a key role in training educators.
2. Adapt curricula: Schools should design projects that focus on solving real-world problems, aligning with practical challenges students may face in the workplace.
3. Provide resources: Schools need better infrastructure, including access to technology and learning materials, to implement PBL successfully.
4. Start small: Pilot projects can help schools test PBL in specific subjects or grades before expanding it across the curriculum.
5. Involve stakeholders: Parents, teachers, students, and policymakers must work together to make PBL a success.

Overcoming Challenges

Introducing PBL in Sri Lanka will not be easy. Many teachers may resist change, finding it difficult to adjust to a new teaching style or let go of traditional methods. There may also be concerns about a lack of time or resources.

To address these issues, schools must offer mentoring, resources, and ongoing professional development for teachers. Highlighting successful PBL examples from other countries can help build confidence and demonstrate its effectiveness. Rather than replacing the traditional curriculum entirely, Sri Lanka can start by integrating small components of PBL into existing courses. This gradual approach will allow schools to adapt over time.

The Future of Education in Sri Lanka

By adopting Problem-Based Learning, Sri Lanka can create an education system that not only prepares students for the job market but also equips them to become innovators, critical thinkers, and leaders. PBL can help bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that students are ready to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

As the world moves towards an AI-driven future, skills like creativity, problem solving, and adaptability will become even more important. Sri Lanka has the opportunity to align its education system with global best practices, paving the way for progress and prosperity.

The time to act is now. With commitment from educators, policymakers, and society, Sri Lanka can revolutionize its education system and empower the next generation to achieve their full potential.