The role lectures play in problem-based learning was studied. The hypothesis was that lecture quality would have a positive influence on the time students would spend in study, that it would increase intrinsic interest in subject matter and would have a positive influence on achievement. Lecture quality would add to the other factors that play a…

This instructor's edition provides an overview of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). PBL organizes students into teams that work on projects to achieve the learning objectives embedded in each PBL project. The focus of this PBL project is managing technological change. The project is structured around a high-impact problem--one that has the potential…

Assessment of a problem-based bachelor of nursing program showed that transition to work was more successful when these strategies were used: holistic care, time management, prioritization of care, teamwork, and sophisticated clinical reasoning. (SK)

Research shows that learning efficiency increases by building on prior knowledge and using multiple assessment tools. Powerful learning environments start with authentic problems and build knowledge through cooperative learning. Informal assessments integrated with assessments of prior knowledge identify further educational approaches. (SK)

Discusses higher education's goal of teaching students to become independent critical thinkers and explores the theoretical background to the development of The Interdisciplinary Critical Thinking Tool (TICTT), an Internet tool based on a model that incorporates concepts from cognitive apprenticeship, problem-based learning, and critical thinking.…

Discusses the results of an experimental study in which university students used a collaborative learning tool in between regular meetings of a tutorial group in problem-based learning. Highlights include a model of asynchronous collaborative learning mechanisms; interactions; information processing; and social factors. (Author/LRW)

A study involving 180 Australian nursing students and 41 clinical mentors evaluated a flexible delivery system rotating clinical practice with classroom/online courses involving problem-based learning. There was evidence of increased self-confidence, self-direction, and goal setting. Faculty, students, and mentors had concerns about assessment and…

Provides examples to aid in describing the transferable skills gained rather than rote memorization through the use of problem-based learning. Also demonstrates how the distance-learner (student with poor access to libraries and virtually no interaction with other students) can benefit from certain elements of a problem-based approach. (ZWH)

Problem-based learning emphasizes critical thinking and clinical judgment. Competency-based education focuses on clinical competence. A merger of the two in nursing education could generate higher levels of inquiry and more expert clinicians. (SK)

Discusses the problem-based learning format as it relates to the education of medical students. Describes key objectives in the education of physicians and questions how effective medical schools are in achieving those key objectives using a problem-based format. (CCM)

Pre/posttest data on 40 physicians who completed problem-based clinical scenarios on osteoporosis revealed that 39 showed improvement or modest change in postworkshop scores, especially in terms of management of male patients, determination of risk factors, and use and interpretation of bone density tests. (SK)

A professor and a student offer their views of problem-based learning as experienced in a University of Delaware undergraduate class in physiology. Vignettes of class activities and discussions are interspersed with a review of the history of and research on problem-based learning. (DB)

Having business students work on commissioned projects from external clients provides an opportunity for problem-based learning. Projects should provide coherent strategies for curriculum support, potential for integration, specification of learning outcomes, emphasis on process as well as product, and occasion for reflective practice. (SK)

At Linkoping University, medical education focused on problem-based learning was introduced, with an unchanged budget, but a new method of resource management. The point system for teaching and administrative tasks gives better control of resources and increases departments' motivation to participate. (SK)

Describes phases of project-based learning (PBL): diagnosis, data feedback, and organization of learning projects. Compares PBL to other action-based learning methods. Provides four examples of PBL, underpinned by learning network theory. (SK)