A professor and a student offer their views of problem-based learning as experienced in a University of Delaware undergraduate class in physiology. Vignettes of class activities and discussions are interspersed with a review of the history of and research on problem-based learning. (DB)

Having business students work on commissioned projects from external clients provides an opportunity for problem-based learning. Projects should provide coherent strategies for curriculum support, potential for integration, specification of learning outcomes, emphasis on process as well as product, and occasion for reflective practice. (SK)

At Linkoping University, medical education focused on problem-based learning was introduced, with an unchanged budget, but a new method of resource management. The point system for teaching and administrative tasks gives better control of resources and increases departments' motivation to participate. (SK)

Describes phases of project-based learning (PBL): diagnosis, data feedback, and organization of learning projects. Compares PBL to other action-based learning methods. Provides four examples of PBL, underpinned by learning network theory. (SK)

Describes using the case method of teaching in a sociology class. The case method is a student-centered, highly interactive pedagogy that changes the classroom process into a collaborative search for an analysis and solution to a specific problem based on a case (a text that provides information about a situation without analyzing it). (EV)

Evaluated use of student peer assessors in second-year viva examinations as part of a problem based occupational therapy curriculum at the University of Newcastle (Australia). Overall ratings by three-person assessment panels (two students and one academic tutor) were significantly correlated providing support for the practice of peer assessment.…

Apparel merchandising students participated in a cooperative research project in which they observed customer service techniques by posing as customers in retail stores. The project taught research processes, collaboration, and principles of customer service. (SK)

MTutor is a web-based online tutorial that provides a nursing research problem, online resources, multiple-choice questions, and an evaluation survey. Student nurses (n=60) found it easy to use and felt that it reinforced classroom learning and enhanced their understanding of research design. (SK)

Investigated Dutch college students' motivation to commit themselves to studying in a problem-based health sciences curriculum, expressed in terms of levels of attendance at tutorial meetings. Data on functioning of the tutorial group, tutor functioning, prior knowledge level, quality of instructional problems, time spent on individual study,…

Reviews the current status of problem-based learning (PBL) research in pharmacy education, identifies trends and student outcomes from the pharmacy courses that have used PBL, presents a brief review of PBL research in medical education, and recommends future directions for PBL research in pharmacy education. (EV)

Discussion of problem-based learning (PBL) focuses on the design and implementation of an undergraduate instructional technology course for teacher preparation grounded in PBL principles. Students examined problems teachers may have integrating technology into instructional and/or professional activities, developed strategies to eliminate the…

Explains the importance of evidence based medical education and how quantitative outcome studies are favored in medical education. Argues that evidence from ethnography can provide valuable insight into medical education using the introduction of a problem based learning (PBL) curriculum as an example. Includes 42 references. (Author/YDS)

Uses qualitative methods to examine a peer-tutoring model from the perspective of the student tutor. Reports that students struggled with basic facilitation skills and had difficulty separating the role of student from that of tutor. (Author/YDS)

Discusses the different varieties of rice and how these differences are important in cooking and health. Discusses the cultural and historical importance of rice. (YDS)

Many medical schools encountered problem-based learning (PBL) in occasional courses instead of adapting problem-based learning curricula. Provides information on a three-day conference entitled "PBL 2000-- Problems, Breakthroughs, and Lessons". (Author/ASK)