Typical on-the-job training is unstructured, inconsistent, and slow, yet it accounts for about 80 percent of learning that will occur on the job. More time should be devoted to planning problem-centered training programs and less to formal training. (JOW)

This article defines and presents a rationale for problem-based learning in science teaching. The process of problem-based learning is outlined and its benefits explored. The use of problem-based learning in the classroom is illustrated to support it as a feasible teaching strategy for secondary school science. (Author/PR)

An alternative approach to the traditional methods of professional growth is the development of a "reflective practice." The learning process in reflective practice begins with the examination of an individual's own actions and contrasting the actions to the ideal or intent of the practice. The process results in behavioral changes that…

Describes the implementation of the innovative Guided Discovery Curriculum at the National College of Chiropractic. Emphasizes the relevance of biochemical principles to clinical practice through the selection of two clinical cases. (DDR)

Assesses the quality of tutorial sessions in the problem-based learning curriculum that was adopted at the University of Tampere in Finland. (Author/CCM)

Issues in the design of nursing problems for problem-based learning are as follows: problems must support the underlying educational philosophy and desired outcomes; they should use material from actual cases; and they should be constructed so students take responsibility for learning and control the learning process. (SK)

How can high schools counteract deterrents to achievement that disadvantaged students face? "Project P-BLISS: Problem-Based Learning in the Social Sciences" presents "hidden" disadvantaged gifted students with a curriculum that first captures their interest and challenges them to realize their true potential. (MLH)

Critical review of the literature on problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education focuses on: (1) the credibility of claims (both empirical and theoretical) about the ties between PBL and educational outcomes and (2) the magnitude of the effects. Concludes there is no convincing evidence that PBL improves knowledge base and clinical…

Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Identifies ethnomethodological conversation analysis to analyze a segment of interaction in a problem-based learning (PBL) meeting. Observes that the presentation of a theory makes relevant a variety of sequential activities through which participants in this instructional…

Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Uses a conceptual distinction between linguistic (and other semiotic) resources for making typological (or categorical) versus topological (or continuous variation) meanings as part of a multimedia semiotic analysis of the data episode. (SR)

Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Finds evidence of similarity in the way that medical students and family members converse. Finds a paradox arising when activities of technoscience and ordinary conversation are rendered in ways that make them indistinguishable without extrinsic reference to who people are or to…

Problem-based learning was used as an enrichment activity in 2% of an urban middle school's curriculum. Assessment showed that it improved behavior and science achievement of low-income minority students. (SK)

Reprints an article originally published in 1949. Determines the relative effects on learning of problem-centered and subject-centered units of instruction. Finds that pupils learned significantly more factual information and made more connections of specific rules of action with their corresponding facts with the problem type. Suggests that…

Argues that, for problem-based learning (PBL) to succeed, a sound program of staff development is required and describes the introduction of PBL into Nursing and Midwifery curricula at the University of Dundee (Scotland) including key components and evaluatory evidence to support its efficacy. (DB)

This article discusses how online expeditions, situated in authentic environments, can be an effective and exciting way to help students learn in constructivist environments. Issues related to assessing student performance in online expeditions are explored and examples of assessment that can be used in these problem-based learning environment are…