Consider that colorful photographs, eye-catching illustrations, and captivating images intended to make textbooks more appealing may actually distract students from the lesson at hand. Or that asking students to simply solve math problems might not be as effective as having them explain the steps of solutions that are already worked out--even some…

A survey of 251 postsecondary students enrolled in management education revealed that the students preferred a student-centered and problem-based curriculum and felt their current curricula did not correspond to that model. Results are detailed and the questionnaires used are appended. (Author/MSE)

A study in a Dutch law school investigated interactions between students' learning orientation (internalizing/meaning, dependent, minimalistic, achieving/strategic) and appreciation of aspects of structure (content, organization, social) in the educational environment and curriculum. A consistent pattern of student attitudes that varied according…

Early adolescence is a time when students require adult assistance to become accurate and effective decision makers and problem solvers. Because of the fragmented nature of society, the family structure, and the schooling process, schools need to establish a nonthreatening environment in which students can discuss the issues related to growing up.…

In the University of South Dakota's medical school clerkship program, students may choose one of three ambulatory-care settings. In one, the curriculum is problem based and student centered to enhance student interest in primary care. The new program has been successful and well received and is being further developed. (MSE)

Review of experimental evidence concerning the effectiveness of problem-based learning suggests that the approach may not improve content-free problem solving; may initially reduce learning levels but fosters long-term retention; may enhance transfer of concepts and integration of concepts into clinical problems; enhances intrinsic interest of…

A study investigated differences in National Board of Medical Examiners Part I scores for students at the College of Human Medicine (Michigan) in two preclinical medicine curricula, one problem based and one traditional, during four distinct periods. Results illustrate the difficulty of comparing the curricula, given revisions over time. (MSE)

Asserts that students need opportunities to solve problems by making concept connections from many disciplines. Integrating mathematics and social studies can help. Includes 20 class activities and a chart recommending which grade levels are most appropriate for each activity. (CFR)

This paper describes a plan to improve school effectiveness in the Tulsa (Oklahoma) Public Schools by incorporating instruction in thinking skills. The program selected by the school district was the Strategic Reasoning Program, based on Albert Upton's Design for Thinking and J. P. Guilford's Structure of the Intellect. The Strategic Reasoning…

Current changes observed in medical education include alterations in program intensity, length, and cost; a greater selection of teaching methods; clinical experience sites; institutional goals and objectives; student evaluation techniques; and teaching sites. Students are being challenged increasingly to become self-directed problem solvers.…

In order to live and prosper in both natural and social environments, humans need to understand their origins, composition, characteristics, and life-sustaining processes. Education is a way to increase understanding of those worlds. The introduction discusses the common existence and interdependence of man and nature. Chapter 1 describes the…

This project was designed to develop a curricular and pedagogical model for teaching multidisciplinary engineering design to senior-level undergraduate students at the Colorado School of Mines. The two-semester course sequence involved students from seven engineering disciplines working in multidisciplinary teams under the direction of…

Describes how problem solving was incorporated into a clinical science curriculum by using a team teaching approach. The review of the content domain, the examination of objectives and test items, and the steps in the team development are included. The steps in development of the program are considered. (KR)

The Science 16 program provides for the development of essential concepts, skills, and attitudes in science that will enable students to function successfully in the home, classroom, workplace, and community. The program is activity-based, and provides opportunities for students to relate essential concepts, skills, and attitudes to their own…

The Mathematics 16 program provides for the development of essential concepts, skills, and attitudes required for effective computation and problem solving. The program is activity-based, and addresses the need for students to be able to transfer and apply specific mathematical concepts and skills to more generalized situations in everyday life…