Problem-based learning (PBL) has been widely adopted in many university programmes. Evaluations of PBL in medicine, dentistry, nursing and social work reveal positive outcomes from both tutors and learners. However, few evaluations have been published about using PBL in teacher education programmes. This paper reports how the 13 student-teachers…

The purpose of this paper is to discuss one instructional design that leverages problem-based learning and game structures as a means of developing innovative higher education courses for students as responsive, lived experiences. This paper reviews a curricular redesign that stemmed from the evaluation of an introductory course in computer…

Recent research has touted the benefits of learner-centered instruction, problem-based learning, and a focus on complex learning. Instructors often struggle to put these goals into practice as well as to measure the effectiveness of these new teaching strategies in terms of mastery of course objectives. Enter the course evaluation, often a…

In an extension of research examining student-centered pedagogy, the present case study examined how at-risk students used Alien Rescue, a problem-based learning (PBL) software program for middle school science. Twenty-nine participants were observed and interviewed over the twelve class days in which they were engaged in Alien Rescue. Students'…

Recent education reforms informed by learning science support the effectiveness of collaborative learning strategies such as problem-based learning groups. However, the efficacy of these methods depends on the authenticity of the problem context and the quality of the dialog established. Communication within groups must be dialogic, and students…

Courses designed to teach problem-solving and creativity, which are relatively new additions to college curricula, are discussed, along with their intellectual foundations and research on these two processes. The teaching of these processes involves the following course goals: teaching a specific subject, generally useful skills, and professional…

The Portable Patient Problem Pack (P4), a method of simulating a patient's problem in a card deck format, is designed to develop the student's problem-solving or diagnostic skills in a manner consistent with the skills of the practicing clinician. Its effectiveness at McMaster University is reported. (LBH)

Problem-based learning is argued to be the most effective means of developing students' general mental abilities, integrating academic and operational approaches to higher education, and instilling a high level of student motivation and capacity for active learning. Conditions for successful problem-based learning are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Differentiates between problem solving and academic learning. The importance of problem-solving possibilities and the characteristics of good problems are discussed. Defines the teacher's role in problem-solving situations and in creating problem-solving possibilities. Delineates four types of problems on the basis of the responses they encourage:…

This book serves as a guide for educators who want to know about and use problem-based learning (PBL) in their schools. Chapter 1 provides anecdotal reports by teachers and students, including examples from universities as well as elementary and secondary education. Chapter 2 gives an overview of PBL for those who want to learn more about the…

This study examines the use of question prompts and peer interactions as scaffolding strategies to help undergraduate students with their problem-solving processes on an ill-structured task. The mixed research method, combining both experimental and comparative multiple-case studies, was used to study the outcomes as well as the processes of…

This comprehensive guide explores Problem-Based Learning (PBL), an innovative approach to leadership training. PBL has been adapted from its original use in medical school training into a tool for administrator preparation. In PBL, a real-life scenario with an open-ended problem or question for which there is no single right solution is presented.…

A study was initiated at the inception of the Exploring the Environment (ETE) project to look at critical factors concerning the use of problem-based learning in Earth science classes. During the 1995-96 school year, the Tropical Poison module from the ETE Project was evaluated in nine high schools across the country. The module introduced…

This paper describes efforts to introduce teachers to three aspects of problem-based learning: (1) learning cases; (2) student-centered learning; and (3) small group cooperative learning. Problem-based learning was woven into the design of professional development institutes because of the organizers' idea that as teachers grow professionally in a…

Moving problem-centered, experiential programs into the mainstream of graduate and professional education will require more formal mechanisms for leadership. Students of graduate education programs that infuse the disciplinary study of academe with the applied perspective of professional practice gain broader contact with the problems of the…