In this paper, we examine the student group discussion processes in a scenario-based assessment of engineering professional skills called Engineering Professional Skills Assessment (EPSA). In the assessment, the students were evaluated through a discussion on a scenario related to an engineering problem with no clear-cut solution. We applied…

A problem-based learning (PBL) framework was utilized in a series of six interprofessional team seminars (IPTS) for postbaccalaureate students from seven health professions. The goal of IPTS was to develop a collaborative practice-ready workforce prepared to respond to patient care needs through use of concrete examples, skills development,…

Examines the problem-based perspective and the pedagogy of problem-based learning. Outlines alternative philosophical perspectives for professional education. (SK)

A study investigated student use of a collection of self-directed anatomy learning modules designed to help students prepare for tutorial discussions of health care problems. The surveyed students (n=80) reported that module use depended on program level and premedical background in biology, not on tutor or preceptor requirements. Students who…

Research reveals that successful problem solvers must possess comprehensive knowledge, and more importantly, have appropriate knowledge organization and understanding. A new taxonomy of medical problems is recommended, and it is suggested that the traditional hypothetico-deductive strategy for problem-based learning be replaced by scheme-driven…

Questions are raised about the effectiveness of the traditional lecture method in meeting the objectives of optometric education, and the use of problem-based learning as an alternative approach is examined. (MSE)

A study of the characteristics and beliefs of medical college faculty undertaking problem-based, small-group teaching methods found (1) adoption of the innovation was influenced by perceived need for change and perceived benefits of that change, (2) adopters tended toward institutional collegiality, and (3) colleague contacts were influential.…

A description of the development of a new surgery clerkship looks at institutional background (University of Kentucky College of Medicine) for the project, preliminary evaluation and planning efforts, formulation of an ideal for the clerkship, barriers to change, overcoming resistance to change, and comparisons with problem-based learning programs…

The paper addresses application of new educational technologies to dental education. Noted is technology's ability to create an electronic curriculum that uses images and text to advance problem-solving and problem-based learning. Information technology provides a risk-free (i.e., patient-free) environment for dental students to test decisions.…

A study compared results of 2 teaching methods, traditional Socratic method (22 students) and a problem-based curriculum (35 students) in a University of Kentucky medical school surgery clerkship. Results showed the problem-based method resulted in similar knowledge level but improved clinical problem-solving skills. (Author/MSE)

A University of Limburg (Netherlands) medical school study investigated the relationship between student-generated learning issues and faculty instructional objectives (i.e., the effectiveness of the problems posed) in a problem-centered obstetrics and child development curriculum. Subjects were 120 students and 12 faculty. Results indicated…

A study investigated the effectiveness of incorporating discussion groups and problem solving in a first-year pharmaceutical dosage-forms course. Students responded positively to the group discussions focusing on problem solving and the discussion summaries, which demonstrated the diversity of approaches to problem solving and focused their…

A law professor explains how he came to view legal problem solving as the driving concept in law school curriculum design and draws on personal experience and a survey of students concerning teaching methods in a commercial law course. He outlines six curriculum design principles for teaching legal problem solving. (MSE)

In response to HE 528 462, the author suggests the use of student-generated learning issues in problem-based medical education should place more emphasis on mechanisms in the generation of learning issues, the ramifications of various degrees of student input into the identification of issues, and the role of teacher-learner negotiations in the…

Although it is not clear how important undergraduate professional education is in final practice behavior of the health professional, it is probable that graduates of problem-based curricula will be more effective continuing learners and therefore better practitioners because of a more positive feeling about learning and acquisition of…