Reactions of 100 nursing students to a 4-week problem-based learning (PBL) activity indicated changes in their self-perceptions and relationship of learning to clinical practice. PBL promoted critical thinking, problem solving, self-directed learning, and synthesis of knowledge. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)

Investigates the transformation of a developmental mathematics curriculum from a 30-year-old, non-applied passive learner environment to a curriculum that engages students in active learning situations rich in meaningful health-related applications using problem based learning (PBL). Describes the purpose of the Fund for the Improvement of…

Nursing education needs a new model of professional education that combines the liberal and vocational traditions--both knowing that and knowing how. Problem-based learning provides a framework for linking theory and clinical practice in a meaningful way. (SK)

Discusses the link between the theoretical principles of constructivism, the practice of instructional design, and the practice of teaching. Defines constructivism, lists three primary principles of learning and understanding, identifies eight instructional principles needed for the design of constructivist learning environments, and presents a…

Educators at the Center for Problem-Based Learning at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy examined the professional development needs of teachers of problem-based learning. Surveys of and interviews with teachers participating in partnership activities provided data on teacher role, problem-based learning's impact on students, and the…

Nursing students (n=45) using problem-based learning (PBL) strongly felt increased tension both in making the transition to PBL from traditional forms of education and in the conflict between students' desire for knowledge acquisition and the less concrete outcomes of PBL. (SK)

Describes an approach to problem-based learning (PBL) in the pharmacy curriculum that utilizes electronic communications to reduce the personnel costs associated with PBL. Comparison with convention PBL found substantial reduction in personnel time. Discusses application as a supplement to didactic instruction and the method's feasibility for both…

Presents one of a set of five analyses that all examine the same data; the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Offers an overview of the five analyses, including how they differ. Includes a transcription of the six-minute data segment featuring a group of second-year medical students and a faculty tutor/coach discussing a…

Discusses the goal-based design concepts used to build a CD-ROM-based course for senior executives at Andersen Consulting. Topics include quality management; continuous improvement; problem-centered learning; video storytelling; feedback; multimedia learning environments; course organization; and possible future applications. (Author/LRW)

Presents a chemistry report on methamphetamine synthesis downloaded from the Internet and asks students to point out errors and answer questions about the text. Discusses the methods of methamphetamine synthesis and major issues in writing a case study. (YDS)

Presents a classroom activity in which students identify the possible ways of reducing NOx emissions to reduce ground-level ozone. (YDS)

Examines pre-college students' understanding of the nature of science and tracks those beliefs over the course of an academic year. Studies students' conceptions of the nature of science using a model developed for use in this study. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

This article describes an enrichment cluster approach designed to create highly challenging learning opportunities that allow high potential students to identify themselves. The enrichment clusters focus students' attention on authentic learning applied to real-life problems. Guidelines for enrichment clusters are discussed, along with the teacher…

This article discusses ways that sophistication can be incorporated into the curriculum to address the needs of gifted learners. Educators are urged to use questions, integrated curriculum, problem-based learning, independent and self-directed study projects, and mentor experiences to facilitate the exploration of ideas beyond the scope of the…

Describes the use of videoconferencing to teach courses for NYNEX (a New York telephone company) employees through the Center for Distance Learning of the State University of New York Empire State College. Topics include process education, cooperative learning, problem-based learning, student roles, and program effectiveness. (LRW)