Tutor's Role in Problem-based learning: Minimum Interference with Maximum Responsibility

With the inception of Problem Based Learning, there has been a paradigm shift of tutor from a knowledge transformer in a traditional teaching environment to a facilitator in a small group student centred learning environment. The tutor has to adapt the changing role to facilitate the tutorial group for self-directed learning. Students' learning would depend on the facilitator's understanding and appreciating of his/her responsibilities in the small group sessions. However, tutor's legitimate role in PBL can be undermined by wrongly viewing “student centred” as “tutor inactive.” Tutor's interference in the PBL process may be very less, but he/she plays a significant role in facilitating the students' learning. The present paper aims to identify how, when and to what extent a tutor should intervene in the PBL process and also analyse the role and responsibilities of the tutor for the effective functioning of PBL based on the published literature. The author has explained the role of tutor in facilitating self-directed learning and collaborative learning; promoting critical thinking; providing feedback for the students. This paper also highlighted the significance of training programme to develop tutors' knowledge, skills and attitude to undertake his/her changing role as a facilitator of a group.