Since the early nineties the Civil Engineering Faculty of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland has been involved in three Tempus projects, aimed at modernizing the Faculty educational system and its adjustment to European Union standards. The first and second projects were directed at creating new specialties: City Regeneration…

This study examined the perspectives of three graduates of a problem-based learning (PBL) physical therapy (PT) program about their clinical practice. Researchers used qualitative methods of observation, interview, and journaling to gather the data. Three sessions of audiotaped interviews and two observation sessions were conducted with the three…

Discusses problem-based learning and describes the occupational therapy programs at McMaster University and Shenandoah University. Compares similarities and differences and looks at issues involved in the implementation of the programs. (JOW)

The case method facilitates active, participatory learning, reflection, critical thinking, and problem solving. Effective teaching with cases involves group facilitation, optimal group size, and open-ended questions. Potential problems include student motivation and resistance, teacher role adjustment, and inadequate resources for case…

Describes a capstone course specifically designed for Environmental Geoscience majors that is a project-based course stressing small-group identification, analysis, and solution of real-world geo-environmental problems on a local scale. Prepares students for the immediate demands of post-college employment as well as developing lifelong learning…

Survey responses from 58 nursing students and 15 focus group interviews showed that problem-based learning (PBL) improved understanding of multidisciplinary practice and challenged them to work together and tolerate other perspectives. One-third felt learning was hindered by uncertainty over the PBL process and organizational/group issues.…

Reviews the origin of problem based learning (PBL) and variations of PBL. Suggests that PBL is simply one way of case study learning. (Author/KHR)

Problem-based learning was used by 43 adult students (31 in independent study, 12 in class). Responses from 28 of first group and 9 of second indicated overall satisfaction with strategy, supporting its use in a liberal learning context. Ways to improve it, such as eliciting learners' hunches and emphasizing knowledge to be gained rather than the…

This paper argues that problem-based learning in higher education offers more constructive ways of thinking and acting in times of educational change. The same problem-based approach can illuminate some of the issues in current efforts at educational reform and assist in bringing about constructive change. (MSE)

Reviews literature on problem-based learning in health sciences. Describes characteristics, outcomes, and implementation strategies and discusses the potential for problem-based learning in nursing education. (Contains 56 references.) (SK)

Evaluates the implementation of a curriculum that married a lecture-based first year program with a problem-based curriculum in the second year. Demonstrates how this unusual curricular structure was successful in improving students' perceptions of and performance in basic sciences. (Author/CCM)

Nursing students (n=131) were randomly assigned to groups; half used an educational game involving problem-based learning, half were conventionally taught. Groups switched treatments in the second term. First-term posttests showed higher scores for the game group; second-term posttests showed no differences, suggesting the impact of the game…

Premedical students evaluating a peer-evaluation grid indicated that they preferred it not be anonymous, but formative. Most recognized their behavior changed as a result of peer assessment; most had more positive attitudes toward health care. (SK)

The University of Manchester's problem-based medical education was anticipated to increase clinical-reasoning skills. Students generally approved of the change but suggested modifications. More work needed to be done to help students become self-directed learners. (SK)

Task-based learning (TBL) is a method used to develop transferable skills in radiography students. It involves developing in-depth understanding of concepts and mechanisms underlying tasks as well as capability to perform them. TBL forms the basis of clinical practice modules that contextualize knowledge. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)