Difficulties students are having with cognitive processes in problem based learning environments

For most students inquiry-based learning environments such as problem-based learning (PBL) comprise a major shift away from approaches to learning with which they are most comfortable and familiar. We have been observing PBL students in situ with particular focus on the cognitive processes with which they are having greatest difficulty, the processes that students need help with, and specifically when in the PBL process they require this help. The outcomes of this empirically-based understanding of the cognitive processes with which students have difficulties, is assisting us with the development of cognitive support tools for incorporation into the inquiry-based learning environments.