Project-based and problem-based learning are instructional methods that are being used to promote active and authentic learning. A graduate education course was first implemented using a project-based approach. The second time the course was offered, problem-based learning (PBL) using the Barrows (1988) tutorial process was used. The participants…

Case-based approaches are effective for teaching and learning science, encouraging student-directed collaborative learning and active engagement. This paper looks at using cases in science teaching and learning at the secondary and undergraduate levels and the impact these approaches have on teachers, students, curricula, and classroom…

A multiple, embedded case study research design was employed to describe and explain the case method pedagogy used by two veteran practioners. The units of analysis were two graduate courses, one a teacher ethics course and the other a business policy course. Information was gathered utilizing precourse and postcourse interviews and a…

A doctoral seminar for students in educational administration used problem based learning (PBL) with student consultant teams and later evaluated the results of the approach. PBL involves group work in which students address and solve realistic or actual professional problems. The instructor prepares detailed hypothetical problems for the students…

In a study of the development of measures that can assess specific learning and reasoning changes affected by a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum in medical education, evidence is provided of the cognitive benefits of a PBL approach. To determine whether PBL students reach reasoning goals with a novel clinical case, the study evaluated…

Questions related to the instructional design of computer-based educational systems were addressed in a study in which college psychology majors completed a computer-based course in statistics using instructional units developed to teach the desired knowledge within the context of situations to which the knowledge is relevant--a technique called…

This study investigated the effects of two sequences of instruction--theory-to-application and application-to-theory--on medical students' cognitive preferences in preclinical science teaching. Results indicate that presenting an example of the clinical application of biochemical theory before presenting the theory itself increased students'…

This study investigates computer-mediated communication (CMC) to facilitate the construction of a learning community of preservice teachers. The formation of a learning community involves students working together to solve ill-structured problems and applying knowledge and experience to heuristic teaching. "Peer learning" broadly…

The Physical Therapy Department of Nova Southeastern University (NSU PT) changed its curriculum to problem-based learning, and in conjunction with changes needed new evaluation forms for accreditation and program requirements. The purpose of this practicum study was the development and validation of faculty and course evaluation forms for students…

This paper describes a revised teacher training program that includes Internet-based learning materials, thus demonstrating the dual mode system in which both off- and on-campus studies are integrated. The first section discusses the changing role of the teacher, including traditional teacher education and new challenges imposed by technology. The…

The key faculty teaching skills needed at McMaster University are those of facilitating problem-based, self-directed learning in small groups. A series of interdisciplinary workshops, offered to the school's medical faculty and to faculty from other health sciences centers to help them improve their skills, allows for direct observation, practice,…

Describes and analyzes an effort to introduce problem-based learning (PBL) into a Chinese cultural setting--an educational administration course at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Discusses tensions between Eastern students' perceptions of teachers as "wise persons" and a Western discovery-learning philosophy, ameliorative…

Describes and assesses the University of Adelaide (Australia) dental school's problem-based learning approach and five-year curriculum, including program design, instructional modules based on clinical situations, use of student reflective journals, and course evaluation. Introduction of the new curriculum has resulted in student perceptions that…

An Australian distance-learning college course for women uses problem-based learning to refresh their study skills, since many are rural adults that have been away from school for some time. Metacognitive and reflective cycles activate student thinking patterns, and assigned activities complement and reinforce awareness of those skills. (TD)

A case-based, student-centered instructional model designed to mimic orthodontic problem solving and decision making in dental general practice is described. Small groups of students analyze case data, then record and discuss their diagnoses and treatments. Students and instructors rated the seminars positively, and students reported improved…