Integration of subject areas with technology and thinking skills is a way to help teachers cope with today's overloaded curriculum and to help students see the connectedness of different curriculum areas. This study compares three authentic approaches to teaching a science unit on bird adaptations for habitat that integrate thinking skills and…

An inquiry-based laboratory course was created in an effort to increase student responsibility in learning and to improve teaching in areas related to molecular medicine. Authentic medical cases with both scientific and clinical aspects formed the basis of a project-oriented course that also included student laboratory work focused on the…

This study investigated the effect of well- vs. ill-structured problem types on: (a) group interactional activity, (b) evolution of group participation inequities, (c) group discussion quality, and (d) group performance in a synchronous, computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environment. Participants were 60 11th-grade science students…

A comparative study was conducted to compare two approaches to engineering design curriculum between different schools (inter-school) and between two curricular approaches, "Project Lead the Way" (PLTW) and "Engineering Projects in Community Service" (EPIC High) (inter-curricular). The researchers collected curriculum…

This study explores factors that predict learner satisfaction and transfer of learning in an online educational program at a multinational corporation, established to improve organizational learning by providing training in technical skills. A mixed-methods design was used, selecting both quantitative methods (utilizing survey research) and…

In a problem-based curriculum, emphasis is placed on the groups in which students learn to analyze problems and to contribute to the solution of a problem. This paper describes an instrument that aims to measure individual group performing and presents some psychometric results. Reliability and validity were studied with 240 students in groups of…

A study examined the test-retest reliability of 30 student evaluations of tutors in a problem-based learning curriculum at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Results were used for the improvement of reliability of the instrument. (JOW)

Focuses on the use of the Artemis web-based interface, which provides a digital library for students to search, organize, and evaluate science information related to project-based investigations. Describes high school science students' use of the scaffolding features embedded in Artemis. Reports that students relied upon the Organizational Feature…

Physicians in three communities (n=31) participated in four problem-based learning modules via videoconferencing. Posttest scores were 20% higher and learners reported an average of nine practice changes. Facilitators and observers reported a number of technical difficulties. Facilitators found videoconferencing slightly more difficult than…

Examines problem-based small-group discussions and describes a study conducted in The Netherlands that investigated the thoughts of students, both content-related and non-task related, through a thought sampling method. Highlights include categories of students' thoughts; validity measures; and results of student questionnaires. (LRW)

In a comparable case-study approach, 174 adults answered open-ended questions identifying that (1) degree of self-directed learning was not age related; (2) some emphasized mutual responsibility for learning; (3) learning experiences were largely problem centered; and (4) experience was integral to their learning. (SK)

Practical Geriatrics, 10 continuing medical education programs, combine lecture, role models on videotape, problem-based learning, and commitment for change. Tests with four groups of community practitioners (n=83) demonstrated the program's effectiveness in inducing change and sparking participant enthusiasm. (SK)

A nursing continuing-education program on aged care used problem-based learning and journals. Observation, journal entries, and pre/posttest results for 15 participants showed that they developed a holistic, reflective approach to practice. Problem-based learning helped them link theory and practice. (SK)

Examines implementation of two problem-based learning seminars at a university administrative-credential program. Students worked in small groups to complete a program involving human-resources management and technology use. Students found content and process relevant to their administrative work, saw patterns in their own growth, and learned to…

Explains that hypermedia tools may be developed for case and problem-centered learning in order to achieve significant learning outcomes, such as deep conceptual understanding, conceptual change, and knowledge transfer. (Author/CCM)