Utilizing a research based instructional method in teaching Asian Organized Crime : Problem Based Learning

Utilizing a research based instructional method in teaching Asian Organized Crime : Problem Based Learning

  Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a research based instructional method that is being used with ever increasing popularity in various professional fields worldwide. The traditional method of law enforcement training utilizing lectures always appeared to be subject-based and instructor-centered. Participants and students are commonly not required to actively participate in discussions, provide much feedback, initiate team effort, and the learner may or may not be able to relate the training objectives and the lesson to his or her own situation. The purpose of this paper is to share the knowledge and ideas of using PBL for criminal justice training and law enforcement courses. The writer uses the topic of cigarette trafficking which has been identified as one of the newest emerging forms of Asian Organized Crime activity in the United States. The PBL model provides an additional strategy that many law enforcement professionals may consider to use when conducting their next training. A case sample on the topic of cigarette trafficking is included in this paper as a demonstration.