Describes the characteristics and aims of problem-based learning (PBL) and reports on its application in medical and engineering education at Maastricht University (the Netherlands) and the Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (the Netherlands). Analyzes differences between the medical and engineering applications. Also considers project work and…

Describes a nursing module on caring for older adults, intended to develop critical thinking and clinical skills through problem-based learning and portfolio assessment of clinical practice. (Contains 40 references.) (SK)

Describes the problem based learning (PBL) approach in medical education and discusses learning and study skills in PBL. (YDS)

Explores the performance of n=142 high schools students at the 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science test who are enrolled in a project based science (PBS) program as compared to a national sample of students. Recommends using inquiry-based approach such as PBS to implement reform in schools. (Contains 32 references.)…

Presents a summary of challenges that information and communication technologies (ICT) present third-level institutions through an examination of the pedagogical issues and solutions that arise from a move from traditional lectures to project-based teaching followed by two case studies. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

Investigates whether science permeates the design environment and is thus contexted within the other activities of collaborative management and technology. Focuses on which contexts gave rise to science talk. Studies a classroom with (n=33) students divided into seven teams. (Contains 46 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes a laser refractometry experiment to estimate the refractive index of various liquids. (YDS)

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to examine to what extent the time students work on paid jobs is related to study-time (class attendance and time devoted to self-study) and second, to what extent the time students work on paid jobs is related to achievement. A number of 120 students from the problem-based Faculty of Health Sciences in…

Bioinformatics has emerged as an important research tool in recent years. The ability to mine large databases for relevant information has become increasingly central to many different aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology. It is important that undergraduates be introduced to the available information and methodologies. We present a…

Problem-based service-learning projects are complex and ambiguous learning environments. New thinking about assessment must occur to be able to assist the learning from this type of project. (Contains 1 table.)

Dental students in third (n=35) and fifth years (n=50) at Adelaide and Trinity College Dental Schools were surveyed about their experiences of assessment and their perceptions of the importance of particular aspects of assessment. Students reported on their assessment experience within their programmes by describing a critical assessment incident…

Citizens Working for Intersection Safety (CWIS) sought designs for improving dangerous intersections in the local area. It is proposed that when the teacher suggests the real world problem to students, the project or case study guarantees true student learning.

This article describes an approach to teaching a required preservice course in special education using problem-based learning (PBL). PBL is an instructional method informed by constructivist theory. Pre-service teachers engage in solving problems that are representative of actual situations they may encounter in their teaching practice. They are…

Lance and Loertscher warn that it is possible to use high-quality information resources and still create ineffective learning experience for K-12 students. To illustrate, they discuss the ?bird unit,? the type of research activity where students search for information in order to fill in worksheets that they transform into essays and…

The authors discuss potential shortfalls of assistantships and internships in preparing students for practical career application of professional degrees and describe the benefits to overall development of courses eliciting performance in authentic scenarios. This article explores what is necessary, not only to teach, but also to learn, human…