The aim of this paper is to critique the individualistic ontological premises of 'self-directed learning', as it has been developed in humanist education literature in the tradition of Carl Rogers. The authors suggest instead that social-transformative education and its critical social ontology serve the emancipatory promise of education better…

Many medical schools offer pre-professional programs to undergraduate students. The main purpose of the university pre-professional program (UPPP) is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to successfully cope with the academic demands of further education provided by professional colleges. The aim of this commentary…

This article discusses ways that sophistication can be incorporated into the curriculum to address the needs of gifted learners. Educators are urged to use questions, integrated curriculum, problem-based learning, independent and self-directed study projects, and mentor experiences to facilitate the exploration of ideas beyond the scope of the…

Describes a study of medical school students in The Netherlands that tested the assumption of problem-based learning that learning issues, generated by students while discussing a problem, are used as guides for self-directed learning activities. Faculty objectives and student-generated learning issues are compared. (LRW)

A few medical schools have introduced a significant innovation--the problem-based curriculum. Students meet in small tutorials and consider biomedical problems that they cannot solve without acquiring new information and skills. This experiment at Harvard gives "respectability" to the curriculum. (MLW)

Case study teaching has gained a strong foothold in science education. The author discusses: (1) variations on methodology, from whole class discussion to the jigsaw approach; (2) an increase in educational resources on the topic; (3) over a thousand studies that show improved learning when case studies are used; and (4) a survey that illustrates…

Although computer-based resources are appealing, there is little evidence that they are superior to less expensive traditional educational technologies in medical and dental education, and their introduction will be slow until we learn to benefit from them. However, the communications aspects of technology may be much more important and should be…

The Integrated Contextual Learning (ICL) alternative learning methodology is examined as to the impact it can have on the preparation of future managers. The state of business education is reviewed noting criticism that business schools are too theoretical and out of touch with business realities. The ICL is a methodology derivative of Reiterative…

A 3-year research program on workplace learning was based on action research and involved the gradual implementation of "Work Activity Briefings" every 2 weeks or whenever a major task was to be undertaken at selected construction sites managed by an Australian mining and construction company. The briefings were regular meetings between…

Research on how the brain works has resulted in wider-scale adoption of the principles of problem-based learning (PBL) in many areas of education, including technology education. The PBL approach is attractive to curriculum developers because it is based on interdisciplinary learning, results in multiple outcomes, is integrated and…