A study used conversational analysis to examine the reasoning students use in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) environment as they formulate a theory (in medical contexts, a diagnosis) which accounts for evidence (medical history and symptoms). A videotaped group interaction was analyzed and transcribed. In the segment of interaction examined, the…

The effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) in preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) was studied. A 10-week PBL experience was implemented to supplement lecture-based instruction in preparing for the MCAT. Over 2 years, 33 students participated. Participants met for 3 hours in small PBL groups directed by a tutor three…

A 3-year follow-up evaluation was conducted of an experimental problem-based learning (PBL) integrated curriculum directed to students of the first 2 years of engineering. The PBL curriculum brought together the contents of physics, mathematics, and computer science courses in a single course in which students worked on real-life problems. In…

This document identifies five types of learning experiences which are relevant to understanding students' understanding of concepts and principles. These include exploring existing concepts, honing and clustering concepts, developing analytical and reasoning skills, developing problem solving skills, and structuring knowledge in memory. Each of…

The case studies in this book consider many of the most important issues perceived and experienced by people who are using or developing problem-based learning (PBL). The book focuses on politics, administration, resources, the roles of teachers, and the effects of PBL on students. The chapters are: (1) "Come and See the Real Thing" (David…

Analyzes the use of problem-based learning as a catalyst for developing and implementing curriculum for gifted students that is both challenging and constructivist in approach. It relates metacognition to problem-based learning and describes inservice programs developed for teachers and administrators at the College of William and Mary (Virginia).…

Problem-based learning is designed to maximize active student participation in the learning process, foster student problem-solving and self-education skills, enhance student self-assessment, increase student communication skills, and improve student abilities to access and use information resources. A Texas high school's innovative problem-based…

Tested the effects of prior knowledge and two instructional models--structured problem solving and guided generation (GG)--on mathematical problem solving and transfer to an analogous task. Data on students with high and low prior knowledge highlighted significant main effects for prior knowledge, significant differences on transfer to analogous…

Presents an instrumental analysis laboratory section of a problem-based format that includes elements of authentic, investigative, and cooperative learning. Discusses students' attitudes, achievement, and effects of the problem-based instruction on the learning process and higher order thinking in laboratory students. (KHR)

Details the use of online homework assignments designed to more actively engage students in a general education geoscience course. Concludes that students come to class better prepared and that both groups benefit from a problem-based learning approach. (Contains 17 references.) (DDR)

Discusses active learning as a technique to improve learning outcomes; describes the background and history of problem-based learning, explaining why information skills are an integral part; and relates the experiences of librarians at Purdue University in forming collaborations with subject faculty and in the development of problem-based learning…

Argues that the discipline of geography needs to be transformed from a declarative enterprise based on facts to a problem-based enterprise, particularly in light of the shrinking world community. Describes the ways in which a geography instructor addressed the problem-based learning struggle between process and content. (Contains 23 references.)…

Several instructional features facilitate the development of metacognitive and self-directed learning skills, and disposition to lifelong learning: student autonomy, responsibility, and intentionality; intrinsically motivating activities; enculturation; discourse and collaboration among learners; and reflection. Describes and presents examples of…

Highlights the differences between classical teaching methods and problem-based learning. Describes the curriculum and problem-based approach of the Faculty of Medicine at the Maastricht University and gives an overview of the implementation of biochemistry in the medical curriculum. Discusses the procedure for student assessment and presents…

Proposes that collaborative, constructivist, and problem-based learning are powerful conceptual antidotes to pedagogy as transmission and knowledge as parceled facts and objects. Notes that as more texts become available in digital form, users access information in different ways that have profound ramifications for reading and writing. Contends…