The present study is part of a comprehensive research project with the general aims of comparing how problem-based learning is realised in three different professional educational programmes. The specific aims of this study are to describe and analyse how students in the three different programmes conceive of the meaning of problem-based learning and how they experience their studies within a problem-based learning programme. The PBL programmes are a Bachelor's programme in Physiotherapy, a Master's programme in Psychology, and a Master's programme in Computer Engineering. Data were analysed qualitatively. The results reveal differences in how the students in the three programmes conceive of their autonomy as learners, co-operation with their counterparts and the authenticity of the learning task. The findings possibly also reflect the taken-for-granted perspectives of knowledge, embedded in the cultures of the professional practices and the scientific disciplines to which the programmes pertain.

The central theme of the investigation concerns the role of course objectives in relation to students' study strategies in problem-based learning (PBL). The results comprise data from three different PBL programmes at Link÷pings Universitet, a Bachelor's programme in physiotherapy, a Master's programme in psychology, and a Master's programme in Computer Engineering, respectively. In all three programmes, the faculty provides course objectives with the intention that these should function as a supportive structure and guide for the students' independent studies. The results show that the objectives were used differently in the different programmes, as an integrated tool in the learning process, as an administrative schedule or as a retroactive checklist, respectively. The students' use of the course objectives in the learning process varied according to how the objectives were formulated and conceived. The relationship between the format of objectives provided by the faculty and how students deal with them in the learning process could also denote fragments of the different educational cultures within the three programmes and how the meaning of problem-based learning is interpreted.

The present study is part of a comprehensive research project with the general aims of comparing how problem-based learning is realised in three different professional educational programmes. The specific aims of this study are to describe the impact of assessment on students' approaches to learning in the three programmes. The PBL programmes are a Master's programme in Psychology, Master's programme in Computer Engineering, and a Bachelor's programme in Physiotherapy. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed qualitatively. The results reveal both an idiosyncratic and a common pattern of categories describing the students’ approaches to learning. The idiosyncratic categories Confronting of perspectives, Reaching consensus, and Clinical reasoning appear to reflect fragments of the kinds of knowledge that are valued and sought-after within Psychology, Computer Engineering and Physiotherapy, respectively. The categories Reflecting, Memorising and Tactical planning appear across all three programmes, portraying deep as well as surface and strategic approaches to learning.