Animations of molecular structure and dynamics are often used to help students understand the abstract ideas of chemistry. This qualitative study investigated how the features of two different styles of molecular-level animation affected students' explanations of how sodium chloride dissolves in water. In small group sessions 18 college-level…

University course evaluations are replete with student comments expressing frustration with taking time out of work, paying money for, and putting energy into field education projects that lack authentic "real-world" problem-solving objectives. Here, we describe a model for field school education that borrows on pedagogical tools such as…

We have designed model-development sequences using a common context to provide authentic problem-solving experiences for first-year students. The model-development sequence takes a model-eliciting activity a step further by engaging students in the exploration and adaptation of a mathematical model (e.g., procedure, algorithm, method) for solving…

This guide describes development of the problem-based approach of GED as project. It is Volume 1 of a proposed four-volume series. Section 1 describes the concept of GED as project, thinking and problem solving, successful intelligence, and integration of content and skills. Section 2 covers GED as project implementation using learning projects…

Problem-based learning is an approach to structuring the curriculum which involves confronting students with problems from practice which provide a stimulus for learning. However, there are many possible forms that a curriculum and process for teaching and learning might take and still be compatible with this definition. This book explores these…

This paper discusses the author's personal experiences in developing and implementing a problem-based college mathematics course for liberal arts majors. This project was initiated in response to the realization that most students are dependent on "patterning" learning algorithms and have no expectation that self-initiated thinking is a…

In its use of complex, real-world problems to introduce concepts and motivate learning in an active and cooperative learning environment, problem-based learning is a powerful alternative to the passive lecture in introductory college science. Use of technology and multimedia instruction, focus on large classes, and use of interdisciplinary…

Describes design and use of the PBL Evaluator, a computer-based method of evaluating dental students' clinical problem-solving skills. Analysis of Indiana University students' self-, peer, and tutor ratings for one iteration of a course in critical thinking and professional behavior shows differences in these ratings. The method is found useful…

This practicum report describes the development of an instructional unit for educating faculty and clinical instructors in the role of tutor in problem-based learning, as applied to two courses in occupational therapy. Emphasis is on the specific content of the unit and appropriate instructional strategies and delivery methods. A search of the…

Described is the development of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in the problem-based curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Limburg. The principles of a structured program are outlined and practical guidelines for the organization of skills exams for large numbers of students are formulated. Reliability data on…

There is a growing consensus among educational researchers that traditional problem-based assessments are not effective tools for diagnosing a student's knowledge state and for guiding pedagogical intervention, and that new tools grounded in the results of cognitive science research are needed. The ConMap ("Conceptual Mapping") project, described…

This book presents a report on the nature and value of scientific research and with the increasing trend in evidence-based education, explains the similarities and differences between scientific inquiry and inquiry in other disciplines. Contents include: (1) "Accumulation of Scientific Knowledge"; (2) "Guiding Principles for Scientific Inquiry";…

This paper reports the results of a 5-month study of 4, self-selected Problem-Based Learning (PBL) teams taking a leadership capacity-building course in the Educational Leadership Program in the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies at UCLA. Twenty-six students in the course were divided into five teams of five to eight members…

In a problem-based curriculum, emphasis is placed on the groups in which students learn to analyze problems and to contribute to the solution of a problem. This paper describes an instrument that aims to measure individual group performing and presents some psychometric results. Reliability and validity were studied with 240 students in groups of…

A study examined the test-retest reliability of 30 student evaluations of tutors in a problem-based learning curriculum at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Results were used for the improvement of reliability of the instrument. (JOW)