This study examined a civil engineering capstone course that embedded a sophisticated simulation-based task within instruction. Students (n=28) were required to conduct a hazardous waste site investigation using simulation software designed specifically for the course (Interactive Site Investigation Software) (ISIS). The software simulated…

Teaching methodologies, such as Problem Based Learning (PBL), have arisen in response to educational research that has found evidence that even though lecturing may be the most prevalent teaching tool it is arguably the least effective way to facilitate student learning. It is important then, for methods instructors to give preservice teachers…

Closing the Loop (CTL) is a science curriculum designed to introduce students to integrated waste management through awareness. This document presents five lesson plans focusing on developing an understanding of natural resources, solid wastes, conservation, and the life of landfills. Contents include: (1) "What Are Natural Resources?"; (2)…

Examined faculty attitudes toward a new problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum at Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, surveying 115 participants in the new curriculum and 96 nonparticipants. Participants judged the PBL curriculum to be superior in most respects to the old curriculum, whereas nonparticipants judged both to be about equal. (MDM)

Describes the ways in which a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to teaching precalculus can prepare students for calculus by helping students develop a conceptual understanding rather than learning through symbol manipulation and memorization. Discusses the exponential, trigonometric, polynomial, and rational function modules employed. (NB)

Undergraduates in clinical placement formed a team within a larger clinical team and attended problem-based tutorials. Data from exit interviews, surveys, and team conferences revealed discomfort with the preceptors' role, peer support among students, improved communication styles, and mutual learning between students and professionals. (SK)

Describes case-based, problem-based learning (CBPBL), a student-centered approach that uses tightly focused minicases to help students demonstrate their ability to identify their information needs. Topics include the role of the instructor; uses of CBPBL; librarian as facilitator or liaison for a CBPBL session; examples of minicases for library…

Compares a qualitative study of teacher decision making during the first year of implementation of an environmental education curriculum. Examines perceptions of training, the program, administrative and peer support, and the manner in which the program was implemented in each classroom. Reports that teachers' perceptions stemmed from cognitive…

Describes the benefits of teaching students using research lessons, focusing on Japan's use of research lessons to teach elementary school science. Research lessons are planned collaboratively and bring to life in a lesson a particular goal or vision of education. The paper notes how research lessons impact teachers' instruction and describes…

Community tools are technologies to foster social processes of learning through active inquiry, project-based learning, and related collaborative pedagogical approaches. Identifies current research and development trends moving towards sociotechnical systems that address learning in relation to specific domains of knowledge or activity, and social…

Explains the evaluation procedure of extended matching multiple-choice questions (EMQs) which are problem-oriented, case-based questions. (Author/YDS)

Provides a brief overview of "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" and outlines some important messages related to grades pre-K-5. (Author)

To prepare adult students for a problem-based degree program, an orientation workshop was designed to help identify resources, address barriers to study, and acquire skills to benefit from problem-based learning. Transfer strategies included student involvement in planning and as presenters, mentoring, action plans, self-study materials, and…

Examined mid-career professionals' perceptions of their long-term learning in a master's leadership program centered on problem-based learning (PBL). Found that students perceived their most valuable learning was related to two main areas: group process and self-knowledge (including sub-themes of learning to understand different perspectives, to…

Use of fictional or "virtual" families in problem-based learning scenarios was assessed by 17 first-year and 14 third-year nursing students. Virtual families enabled longitudinal study of health care and family dynamics, a holistic approach, and integration of learning across the curriculum. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)