Although the IMSA PBL model has commonalities with other approaches such as
case-based, project-based and inquiry learning, it is distinct in key ways. Although all of
these approaches are student-centered and promote active learning, in problem-based
learning, the learning process is more directed by students, and teachers are not encouraged
to provide specifications for a desired end product (Supovitz et al., 2000). Specifically
in project-based learning, learners are provided with specifications for a desired endproduct
and the teachers are more likely to serve as expert coaches providing feedback,
guidelines and suggestions for more effective ways to achieve the predetermined final
product (Savery, 2006). In PBL, there is no predetermined end product which students
are required to complete. On the contrary, students identify their own problem to solve
in the context of a complex interdisciplinary scenario and they decide how to use their
tutors as resources or consultants to solve these learner- identified problems. Hence, in
PBL the learners are charged with both defining the problem, developing the solution
and identifying the resources to refine their solutions, and the tutor serves as one possible
resource to achieve their goals.