Populism and Higher Education Curriculum Development: Problem Based Learning as a Mitigating Response

Against a background of increasing inequality and a rising tide of nationalism andpopulism, this book raises concerns that curriculum is being shaped by powerfulnon-academic, non-accountable forces and that populism - and its manifestations- represent a grave challenge to learning. It explores the extent to whichcurriculum and learning methods in higher education should respond to thischallenge. Using problem based learning as a case study it draws on crossdisciplinarystudies to examine how regional, national and organizationalperspectives emphasize different aspects of PBL. It questions whether PBLprovides an effective response to external influences and a 'populist' highereducation agenda. In conclusion the book poses an uncomfortable questionwhether graduates reflect the external forces shaping curriculum and hence maybe as vulnerable to populist rhetoric as non-graduates precisely because thecurriculum and learning methods do not engage with the challenges. This bookwill appeal to scholars of problem based learning, as well as populism and therole of higher education in society.