Problem-Based Learning (PBL) describes a learning environment in which problems drive the learning; that is, learning begins with a problem to be solved and the problem is posed in such a way that students need to gain new knowledge before they can solve it. This ERIC Digest discusses many aspects of PBL including a brief history, implementing…

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) describes a learning environment in which problems drive the learning; that is, learning begins with a problem to be solved and the problem is posed in such a way that students need to gain new knowledge before they can solve it. This ERIC Digest discusses many aspects of PBL including PBL and problem solving, PBL and…

After two decades of efforts at curriculum reform, the United States has yet seriously to embark on the task of developing an active learning approach to mathematics in the elementary schools. (Author)

The social science finding that two-thirds of a population of successful males are first-born sons provided the motivation for a problem solved by a 12th grade honors class. The class proved that the probability of choosing a first-born son from a male population is about two-thirds. (JP)

Imagine a wooden cube painted and cut into "unit cubes." A typical activity consists of predicting the number of unit cubes with exactly three faces painted, two faces painted, etc. This article presents extensions of this activity designed to help students develop analyzing abilities and powers to generalize. (JP)

The use of the randomized response technique as a tool of obtaining answers to sensitive questions is illustrated. Directions for two classroom experiments are included. (MP)

Describes benefits of service learning for middle school students. Describes the Community Problem Solving (CPS) Program, a competitive program in which students use the creative problem- solving process to identify community problems and develop and implement solutions. Differentiates community problem solving from other service learning…

Describes the Engineering Link Project for Year 11 students that might have an interest in engineering. It is a three-day course organized by teachers and conducted by engineers to give students the opportunity to test materials, design, construct, and try their own solutions to an engineering problem. (AIM)

Eight articles in this this theme issue explore aspects of supervised occupational experience (SOE) in agriculture: definitions, new directions, the value of SOE, experiential learning, the science of agriculture, production agriculture, hydroponic technology, and Future Farmers of America proficiency awards. (SK)

Presents a model for facilitators of adventure-education group initiatives, group problem-solving tasks requiring cooperation and trust. Discusses initial observation and assessment of individual and group behaviors, setting objectives, preparation, group orientation, structuring the task toward objectives, implementation, guided reflection,…

Examined the effects of tutoring on college students' ability to learn a computer programming language in order to characterize effective tutor behaviors. Found that successful tutors took a very active role in leading problem-solving by offering confirmatory feedback and additional guidance while students were on profitable paths and error…

Seven theme articles discuss the importance for vocational agricultural teachers to allow students to work through the solution to problems posed in classroom situations, learning and teaching styles, the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills report, the use of experimentation as experiential learning, and problem solving as the key…

Discusses suggestions for the learning and teaching of mathematics based on a study examining the mathematics practices of carpet layers. Suggestions are made from the areas of (1) the school mathematics curriculum; (2) the methods used to teach school mathematics; and (3) research in mathematics education. (MDH)

Describes three games for all ages, used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing where appropriate. The games demonstrate the tenets of adventure programming, involve group…