Learners' perceptions of the teaching practices in business education: An Australian study

This is an exploratory study, applying a qualitative methodology to investigate the teaching practices in business education in relation to problem based learning (PBL) and self directed learning (SDL). This study put issues of learners' experience centre stage and involved interviewing ten third year undergraduate business students. The findings provide relatively strong support for the existence of a positive relationship between effective PBL teaching practices and its influence on the students' perceptions of their learning. The results identified that PBL does foster SDL but there is also evidence that some respondents were self motivated prior to joining the university and this personal experience is a factor to be considered in the development of SDL. The lifelong learning skills ascertained from this study were collaborative problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, decision making capability, research skills, time management, and presentation and communication skills.