Reflections and Abstraction in Problem Based Learning

Problem Based Learning has extended its scope from the medical domain to every other domain, bringing out the learning benefits and connecting with real world applications. Reflections are one of the components of problem based learning that help to achieve self-directed learning and critical thinking. There are several ways to solve a problem in problem based learning, and one way to enhance the process is to use computational thinking. The abstraction can help in knowledge construction and writing reflections that can connect beyond the systems of study. This study proposes to design case studies for reflections with and without abstraction. The data of 37 students was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively to understand the nature of the reflections. Model problems were used as case studies. A qualitative study was carried out using descriptive, in vivo, and focused coding methods, arriving at themes, and ttest performed on two sets of quantitative results. The work brings out some intriguing results that are presented in this paper. Abstraction in reflections can positively contribute to generalizing the system and connecting to the real-world applications beyond the case study that is under consideration. Abstractions help in knowledge construction and application extension.