Demonstrates how tutors within a problem-based curriculum can be evaluated and provided with adequate feedback about their performance to improve their behavior. Focuses on plans for action that could be undertaken with regard to aspects of a faculty development program. (LZ)

Performance by University of New Mexico students on the National Board of Medical Examiners exam was compared for two curriculum tracks, conventional (n=508) and problem-centered (n=167). Results suggest that the more teacher-centered and structured curriculum prepared students better for Part I of the exam, and the student-centered, problem-based…

A survey by the European Pharmaceutical Students' Committee of its member countries investigated the extent of problem-based learning, the effectiveness of examinations for testing knowledge, role of English as the language of instruction, best teaching methods, and relationships with other health occupations. Results and a position statement are…

A survey of faculty (n=223) and students (n=157) in two different curriculum tracks (problem-based/student-centered primary care vs. regular) at one medical school gathered opinions on the methods and criteria of student evaluation. Differences occurred primarily in the perceptions of first- and second-year students in the problem-based…

Two eighth-grade teachers at a Georgia middle school recently redesigned their curriculum to emphasize problem-centered, hands-on learning projects focusing on issues relevant to students. To demonstrate what was learned, students and teachers employed various student projects assessed by using rubrics that define a wide range of acceptable and…

Utilizes the psychological and sociocultural components of a constructivist paradigm to provide a detailed analysis of how the cognitive constructions students make as they enumerate 3D arrays of cubes develop and change in an inquiry-based, problem-centered mathematics classroom. Describes the classroom work of three pairs of 5th-grade students…

Describes the design and delivery of a graduate distance-education course on information-systems analysis and design at Syracuse University. Topics include learner-centered education, situated learning, problem-based learning, learner characteristics, learner-centered objectives, course content, collaborative learning, role playing, and students'…

Describes a problem-based course structure (that focuses on problem solving, critical thinking, and team skills) for an upper-level business writing course that allows both English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and Native English-speaking students the opportunity to improve communication abilities in cross-cultural work groups. Discusses cooperative…

Reports on experiences encountered during the first 18 months of a 3-year longitudinal study. Focuses on the assessment of staff attitudes and concludes that there is stress related to work overload and a lack of time for research and publishing. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Suggests that community colleges should focus more on academics than on technical skills when preparing students to enter the criminal justice system. Asserts that the technical skills needed by workers in law enforcement can be acquired in the police academy, while crucial critical thinking and writing skills are better taught in the college…

Three field-oriented, problem-based administrator preparation programs at the University of Colorado at Denver have provided opportunities and challenges. Student involvement in planning and conducting learning, collaboration among faculty and students, and use of performance-based learning outcomes and portfolio assessments are among the…

Describes "authentic" problem-based learning (PBL) as a specific teaching method that addresses all the educational objectives possible with PBL: acquisition of a rich body of deeply understood knowledge; development of effective clinical problem-solving skills; and development of an insatiable curiosity and a desire for continuous learning…

Reports on student and faculty perceptions of group dynamics in problem-based learning situations. Gender differences were demonstrated in interpretation of over 50% of the questionnaire items. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Discusses the use of problem-based learning to meet technology standards. Highlights include technology as a tool for locating and organizing information; the Wolf Wars problem for elementary and secondary school students that provides resources, including Web sites, for information; Web-based problems; and technology as assessment and as a…

A pumpkin decorating exercise gave California sixth-graders a chance to discuss a problematic school policy on gangs, using Pablo Freire's problem-posing method. Since the policy failed to understand student views, it officially sanctioned and promoted silence. Student journals revealed how gang activity was woven into their world. (MLH)