The purpose of this article is to provide an example of using real world issues as tools for science teaching and learning. Using real world issues provides students with experiences in learning in problem-based environments and encourages them to apply their content knowledge to solving current and local problems.

Counselor Education professors can assist students with comprehensive examination preparation. The first author, a graduate student in counseling, developed these ideas while studying for the comprehensive examination for the Master of Science degree program in counseling. All five members of her study group passed the examination the first time.