This article discusses using a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum to engage gifted learners. The benefits of PBL are described and a list of seven useful Web sites that explain PBL and provide examples of problems that can be used to excite gifted children about learning is provided. (CR)

Reports on a course at Rowan University, based on the economic design of a baseball stadium, that offers an introduction to multidisciplinary engineering design linked with formal training in technical communication. Addresses four pedagogical goals: (1) developing public speaking skills in a realistic, business setting; (2) giving students…

Describes the development process of program evaluation at the Faculty of Law of Maastricht University, The Netherlands and the problem-based legal curriculum used at the school. Provides some preliminary findings and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the current program evaluation system as a tool of internal quality management. (SLD)

Introduces an undergraduate level problem-based analytical chemistry laboratory course integrated with an environmental law course. Aims to develop an understanding among students on the use of environmental indicators for environmental evaluation. (Contains 30 references.) (YDS)

Establishing schooling/larger world connections is critical for adolescents. The contextual learning approach views learning as most effective when information is presented within a familiar framework. Employing puzzles, hands-on learning activities, project-based learning, contextual connections, applied math, mentoring, and wider audiences…

Describes a student-centered, open evaluation system used in the University of Sydney's problem-based medical program. Describes how quantitative and qualitative student feedback is collected for individuals, groups, and years, and how the feedback is managed to effectively support improvement in course quality. (EV)

Studied peer assessment in problem based learning in 2 studies involving 27 and 51 college students. Overall, it appears that the peer assessment methods used in these studies could be improved. Peer assessment did not prevent friendship-based favorable marking or other types of over- or under-rating of others. Adequate training appears necessary…

Describes a project that applies problem based inquiry learning units to an introductory chemistry laboratory curriculum. Uses web technologies to support instruction. (Contains 25 references.) (YDS)

Introduces five approaches--problem solving/problem based learning, authentic assessment, writing and communication skills, peer and self evaluation, and fostering curiosity. Suggests that these approaches bring critical thinking to the learning process. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Creating effective learning environments plays an important role in supporting organizational learning, changing individual and social interpretation patterns of reality, developing knowledge and competencies, and changing the sociotechnical systems of organizations. This article describes gaming simulation and the design of simulation games as a…

Students participate more in a classroom and also report a better understanding of course concepts when steps are taken to actively engage them. The Student Engagement (SE) Survey was developed and used in this study for measuring student engagement at the class level and consisted of 14 questions adapted from the original National Survey of…

Recent calls have been made for a fundamental reorientation in higher education from a curriculum that simply transmits information (learner as receiver) to one that encourages students actively to construct their own knowledge and practice using new skills and concepts (learner as constructor). In response, the Case Analysis in Organisational…

Although many examples of using problem-based learning and case studies in teaching science occur in the literature, instructors may still have questions about when, why, and how to use these strategies, especially in different class settings. In this article, I describe my experience in using these pedagogical methods in three different class…

In this article, we extend previous work with respect to interrater reliability measure of computer-mediated conferencing and suggest coding categories relevant to problem-based learning. Calculating interrater reliability agreement by using a Transcript Reliability Cleaning Percentage (TRCP) approach is simple for academics with limited…

Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) are frequently asked to lead discussion groups. These groups generally take the form of tutorials, review sessions, or problem-based learning classes. In their preparation, what to teach is often emphasized over how to teach. The primary intent of this article is to provide a few simple teaching strategies for…