Proposes 10 hypothetical "mini-cases," and calls upon upperclass technical writing students either to select from 1 of 4 given responses or to devise their own. Explains that, after choosing answers, students collaborate to devise the best answers, then talk about their solutions in open class discussion. Provides suggested answers. (SG)

Students in a problem-oriented alternative medical curriculum at Michigan State University used the same problem-based methods for curriculum improvement that are used to solve clinical problems. Students worked with faculty toward constructive curricular revision. (MSE)

A study of the characteristics and beliefs of medical college faculty undertaking problem-based, small-group teaching methods found (1) adoption of the innovation was influenced by perceived need for change and perceived benefits of that change, (2) adopters tended toward institutional collegiality, and (3) colleague contacts were influential.…

The Triple Jump, a procedure for assessing students' problem-based learning, is applied to assessment of inquiry-based learning in a graduate course. Results suggest the need for more research into interrater reliability and other characteristics of the exercise. Some simple strategies for making the instrument cost effective are offered. (MSE)

Explores the myths and realities of university teaching that impede change and offers examples of teaching faculty working together, including the case method, problem-based learning, and interdisciplinary courses. Concludes that when teaching has collegial exchange and review, it becomes possible to develop a curriculum that enhances students'…

This article describes the factors to which the classroom teacher needs to attend to enhance the mathematical problem-solving abilities of students. Emphasis is placed upon the means necessary to develop the attribute of being a problem solver, rather than focusing on the goal of becoming a problem solver. (JJK)

A successful problem-centered program must focus on problem-solving and planning strategies more systematically and intensively than is typical in most classrooms. Teachers can approach problem solving by posing open-ended questions, teaching the steps of thinking, incorporating problem solving into the curriculum, connecting lessons to children's…

A description of the development of a new surgery clerkship looks at institutional background (University of Kentucky College of Medicine) for the project, preliminary evaluation and planning efforts, formulation of an ideal for the clerkship, barriers to change, overcoming resistance to change, and comparisons with problem-based learning programs…

In this study of students (N=112) invited to participate in a hematology-transfusion medicine tutorial, it was found that students (N=59) receiving problem-based instruction did more poorly than controls on short-term examination but maintained their knowledge after two years better than control groups. (MLW)

The paper addresses application of new educational technologies to dental education. Noted is technology's ability to create an electronic curriculum that uses images and text to advance problem-solving and problem-based learning. Information technology provides a risk-free (i.e., patient-free) environment for dental students to test decisions.…

Describes a course that mimics experiences in research laboratories, engages students in collaboration, and reflects trends in educational reform. (YDS)

A strategy of problem solving in the teaching of gifted learners is explored as a possible way of differentiating the curriculum in order to optimize learning. The Teaching Actively in a Social Context Model (TASC) and Renzulli's Enrichment Triad Model are cited as valuable teaching-learning programs. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

In traditional science teaching, teachers expect the average student to implicitly learn and apply subtle concepts and to connect seemingly disjointed information. Teachers expect them to actively assemble the building blocks of critical thinking, often without example (Meyers 1986). The critical analysis of issues and problems is second nature to…

Web-based collaborative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) environments have great potential for learner improvement in solving ill-structured problems in practical situations. Web-based environments, however, offer learners relatively few chances to solve problems through face-to-face interactions compared to traditional classrooms, thereby making it…

In a climate of continual change and innovation, lifelong learning is a critical professional development objective which has a direct impact on organizations' effectiveness and ability to compete and innovate. To help learners continually upgrade their skills and knowledge so they can effectively address emerging organizational and professional…