The purpose of this article is to describe the results from an investigation of the development of students' attitudes and behaviours conducive to self-directed learning (SDL) in problem-based learning. The article reports the results from an application of a newly validated statistical instrument to measure self-directed learning on bachelor…

The study explored the viewpoints of two groups of mentors -- subject and pedagogy -- on their roles in a 12-month problem-based learning (PBL) academic development program at a Danish university. Q methodology analysis from 49 mentors revealed consensus on certain generic characteristics of good mentorship, namely active listening, constructive…

This exploratory paper highlights how problem-based learning (PBL) provided the pedagogical framework used to design and interpret learning analytics from "Crystal Island: EcoJourneys," a collaborative game-based learning environment centred on supporting science inquiry. In "Crystal Island: EcoJourneys," students work in teams…

To diagnose classroom situations is crucial for teachers' everyday practice. The approach of worked examples with errors seems promising to support the diagnosis of classroom situations in student teachers (Stark et al. in "Learn Instr" 21(1):22-33, 2011). To enhance that approach, error-explanation prompts and an adaptable feedback…

In the context of the study, an instrumental analysis laboratory course offering Problem-Based Learning (PBL) was designed as an alternative to traditional laboratory practices. The study was conducted with a total of 36 volunteer, prospective chemistry teachers consisting of fourth year undergraduates and graduates. While PBL activities were…

Community-based learning (CBL) integrates problem-based service-learning, volunteerism, and experiential learning across a variety of disciplines. The Community-Based Learning Impact Scale is an instrument developed to measure the impact on a liberal arts university campus. Scale items were generated from focus groups, literature, and existing…

Conflicting research results have stirred controversy over the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) compared to direct instruction at fostering content learning, particularly for novices. We addressed this by investigating effectiveness with respect to recognition learning and transfer and conducting an aptitude-treatment interaction…

The present study aimed at determining and examining high school first, second, third and fourth class grade students' attitudes towards context based learning approach with respect to the variables of gender, class grade and school. The study was carried out with a total of 5325 high school students in Turkey (n1(first class grade) = 1509,…

In South Africa, geography education students' approach to deep learning has received little attention. Therefore the purpose of this one-shot experimental case study was to evaluate the extent to which first-year geography education students used deep or surface learning in an embedded problem-based learning (PBL) format. The researchers measured…

The research has shown a model of learning activities that can be used to stimulate reflective abstraction in students. Reflective abstraction as a method of constructing knowledge in the Action-Process-Object-Schema theory, and is expected to occur when students are in learning activities, will be able to encourage students to make the process of…

Transfer of learning from curricular experiences to non-academic settings is a primary goal of any academic institution. In cases where skills, knowledge, and attitudes learned in curricular experiences are used to solve complex problems, transfer is especially difficult to define and measure. This study attempts to better define transfer in…

Attention to transferable skills is growing in higher education. Problem-based learning (PBL) is increasingly used in management education for its promising potential to, amongst others, promote transferable skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork skills. However, this relationship is seldom assessed. In this study, I use…

The objective of the present study was to examine to what extent autonomy in problem-based learning (PBL) results in cognitive engagement with the topic at hand. To that end, a short self-report instrument was devised and validated. Moreover, it was examined how cognitive engagement develops as a function of the learning process and the extent to…

The twofold purpose of this study is to identify engineering students' perceptions of a problem-based learning environment and to analyse the influence of their personal "situation," general "interest" in engineering and "ability" to succeed on their perception, after they were exposed to PBL for the first time. Based…

The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of Problem-based Learning (PBL) on the metacognitive awareness and attitudes toward chemistry of teacher candidates with different academic backgrounds. The study was carried out on one group using both pre-and post-test experimental studies. The findings of the study were obtained through…