Pure Question-Based Learning (pQBL)
Pure Question-Based Learning (pQBL) is a methodology that emphasizes active learning through answering questions and reflecting on feedback.
Instead of passively consuming large volumes of content, students engage with questions at any stage of the learning process: before a topic, to activate prior knowledge and prepare; during, to reinforce understanding through practice; and after, to promote repetition and retention.
While questions have always been central to education, we've observed that—even though answering a question is engaging and requires students to make meaningful choices—the feedback that follows is often missing or disconnected. Students may know whether they're right or wrong, but not why.
The core issue is that the explanation—the "why"—is often buried in large amounts of learning material, making it difficult to recall in the moment. We believe the "why" should come immediately after the question, in the form of explanatory feedback that both corrects misconceptions and reinforces understanding.
Finally, pQBL is an efficient and scalable learning approach—both for teachers, who benefit from reduced preparation time and AI support, and for students, who face less material to consume and a lower barrier to entry (Bälter, et al. 2024; Jemstedt, et al 2024). This builds on broader findings from Question-Based Learning, which have shown up to 50% reductions in learning time without compromising student performance (Lovett, et al. 2008).
Read more about the pQBL methodology here:
Bälter, O., Glassey, R., Jemstedt, A., & Bosk, D. (2024). Pure question-based learning. Education Sciences, 14(8), 882. doi.org/10.3390/educsci14080882
Jemstedt, A., Bälter, O., Gavel, A., Glassey, R., & Bosk, D. (2024). Less to produce and less to consume: The advantage of pure question-based learning. Interactive Learning Environments, 1-22. doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2024.2362830
Lovett, M., Meyer, O., & Thille, C. (2008). JIME-The open learning initiative: Measuring the effectiveness of the OLI statistics course in accelerating student learning. Journal of Interactive Media in Education, 2008(1). doi.org/10.5334/2008-14
Or listen here:
Seminar at the Swedish Defence University
(first half in Swedish).
AI-genererad podcast
Browse the list of pQBL projects: