Between historic changes in American undergraduate student demography and increasing stresses on civil society, institutions of higher education face mounting pressure to help their students foster strong civic skills and practices. At Queens University of Charlotte, the authors leveraged a curriculum revision process to create a general…

The study presents an analysis of student papers at the end of a problem-based course designed to create an active learning environment and encourage a deep approach to learning. It explores the achievement and participation characteristics of students claiming to have "learned nothing" and suggests the impact of student resistance. (Contains 3…

Describes the adoption of problem-based learning (PBL) techniques in a general psychology course. States that the instructor used a combination of techniques, including think-pair-share, lecture/discussion, and PBL. Notes means and standard deviations for graded components of PBL format versus lecture/discussion format. (Contains 18 references.)…

Describes the ways in which a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to teaching precalculus can prepare students for calculus by helping students develop a conceptual understanding rather than learning through symbol manipulation and memorization. Discusses the exponential, trigonometric, polynomial, and rational function modules employed. (NB)

Argues that the discipline of geography needs to be transformed from a declarative enterprise based on facts to a problem-based enterprise, particularly in light of the shrinking world community. Describes the ways in which a geography instructor addressed the problem-based learning struggle between process and content. (Contains 23 references.)…

Argues that problem-based learning (PBL) shows students that the best scientists are not those who memorize facts, but rather those who apply facts in a creative manner. Explains that the author, who incorporated group learning into a general education science course, found that PBL led to increased class attendance and participation. (Contains…

Describes the results of an assessment of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Initiative at Samford University in Alabama. States that surveys were sent to faculty and students in PBL and non-PBL courses. Reports that PBL students were more likely than non-PBL students to agree with positive statements regarding educational outcomes. (NB)

Describes the problem-based learning (PBL) format adopted by the communications program at Samford University in Alabama. Consists of two semester classes, the first being an introduction to speaking and writing, and the second emphasizing research and argumentation. States that the PBL approach to the course connects service learning to writing…

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…

Argues that most curriculum changes within colleges and universities have been implemented on a short-term, piecemeal basis. Suggests that research examine how curricular change can be accomplished over time and across programs, as well as what cultural considerations affect the effort. Details problem-based learning changes instituted at Samford…