The use of simple diagrams for instruction of first-year operative dental students is encouraged. A series of illustrations for Class I preparation of cavities, focusing on walls, line angles and point angles, is presented and its use described. (MSE)

Use of diagrams and three-dimensional aids in teaching laboratory techniques of tooth reduction was evaluated. The visual aids were found to be useful, but little difference was found in the effectiveness of two- and three-dimensional aids, possibly because two-dimensional aids provided step-by-step instructions while three-dimensional models did…

A nontraditional laboratory course for first-year medical students is described, consisting of two laboratory exercises adapted to the guided design strategy and a short research project. Student learning and attitudes were shown to improve, but curriculum preparation time was a major disadvantage. (MSE)

A course combining aspects of traditional and self-instruction is described. Students' positive reactions exceeded expectation, and students favored the relaxed pace, practice exercises, and immediate instructor feedback. A disadvantage was faculty time required to provide feedback. (MSE)

Describes a dental teaching strategy that promotes acquisition of psychomotor skills through use of metacognition and problem-solving. In five steps, questions are asked to guide the learner through a sequence of discriminations leading to recognition of problems and solutions. Clearly defined criteria in a sequence reflecting procedure are…