Argues that it is critical to assess the extent of students' cumulative learning in problem-based learning (PBL) undergraduate education. Discusses five myths about this assessment process, including (1) there are no instruments that assess skills, attitudes, and knowledge associated with PBL; and (2) we can only assess what students learn within…

Discusses the principles of problem-based learning and their application to graduate-level counselor education. Claims that programs can be conceptualized around three phases: (1) essential theory and skills acquisition; (2) problem-based learning using critical thinking and reasoning skills; and (3) internship and application. This approach helps…

In this paper a multimedia project was incorporated into a problem-based learning environment to examine how learning in multimedia could be enhanced through the use of problem-based learning. Students in a second year course in the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) were assigned the problem-based multimedia project, they worked in groups,…

Northern Ireland has invested heavily in the use of technology enhanced learning at all levels of education. Alongside this, radical changes to the school curriculum and the planned move away from academic selection towards a more inclusive system are challenging those involved in Initial Teacher Education to find ways to improve teaching and…

The aim of this study was to compare the achievement of prospective primary science teachers in a problem-based curriculum with those in a conventional primary science teacher preparation program with regard to success in learning about gases and developing positive attitudes towards chemistry. The subjects of the study were 101 first year…

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a problem-based learning (PBL) approach in a physical chemistry laboratory course. The parameters investigated were students' attitudes towards a chemistry laboratory course, scientific process skills of students and their academic achievement. The design of the study was one group…

The president of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) discusses the current state of environmental education and suggests several key issues to address when designing programs: (1) the basis of the program must be sound, unbiased science; (2) critical thinking must be at the core of the learning experience to make it effective and…

Analyzes undergraduate general-chemistry laboratory manuals (n=10) and identifies illustrative verbs representative of the types of cognitive skills given in Bloom's Taxonomy. Finds that, although the majority of the manuals are similar in their lack of promoting higher-order cognition, a few newer manuals possess the requisite activities for…

Integrating up-to-date composition theory with pedagogical research in critical thinking and inquiry, this book presents a flexible organizational structure to accommodate a range of freshman composition course designs and to engage students intellectually in problem-centered writing activities to prepare them for academic tasks across the…

Applying reading and writing theory to cases in composition, this chapter troubleshoots assignments that produced disappointing results and illustrates how the model of the "ill-structured problem" can help writing instructors craft assignments that foster the cognitive and affective maturation essential to college-level literacy. (Contains 2…

The National Inquiry Standard for Science Education Preparation requires science teachers to introduce students to scientific inquiry to solve problems by various methods, including active learning in a collaborative environment. In order for science teachers to comply with this inquiry standard, activities must be designed for students to…

A 1986 policy instituted by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges calls for strengthening the rigor and academic standards of all college-level courses to be counted toward the associate degree. The policy calls for all courses to promote students' ability to think critically. One of the first difficulties encountered by…

Targeted to educators and parents of gifted children, this issue is divided into three sections that address differentiating curriculum for the gifted. The following articles are included: (1) "The Essential Assumptions Regarding Differentiation of Curriculum for Gifted Students" (Susan Winebrenner); (2) "Curriculum Differentiation…

This guide features a problem-based learning (PBL) unit specifically designed for student-centered learning of new and meaningful content on diseases. Students grapple with a complex and changing problem that requires higher level thinking skills in an environment in which students work both individually and in collaboration with others. Includes…

Explores ways in which conventional assignments can be modified and expanded to include critical thinking and writing vis-a-vis the main concepts of the course. Argues for engaging students' pre-existing ideas in order to incorporate new ideas into class content. Presents course exercises and grading rubrics that can serve as formative assessments…