Describes the process of problem-based learning (PBL), discusses the history of the movement, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of PBL. Explains the advantages of PBL in developing desirable attributes in biochemistry graduates which include being able to generalize, being able to interpret data, and possessing knowledge of relevant…

Uses the case study of a new private school to investigate the implementation of a curriculum designed to incorporate project-oriented, problem-based learning, and a constructivist approach to challenge gifted learners. Discusses the origins of the school, influencing factors, and implications for initiating similar efforts. (MJP)

An Australian preservice teacher education course used interactive television to present real-life, rural teaching situations as examples of best practice. These were integrated with problem-based learning scenarios focusing on dilemmas faced by practicing teachers in multigraded rural classrooms. Evaluation revealed positive feedback from both…

Describes how a teacher education course with a strong clinical component can help preservice students acquire problem-solving teaching strategies. After summarizing the characteristics of classroom teachers who use the model, the article discusses the key elements of a teacher education course designed for the development of such teachers. (SM)

Examines the role of the tutor in the problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum at the University of Queensland (Australia) dental school, discussing changes in this role across the four years in which PBL is used. Explores different varieties of PBL, as well as group learning, tutor-free groups, the reflective role of tutors, and desirable tutor…

A study compared the performance on a national licensing examination of University of Southern California dental students in problem-based learning (PBL) versus those in conventional educational tracks. PBL track students scored significantly higher in all four discipline-based portions of the exam and also in the aggregate, and scored well in…

The purpose of this study was to examine problem-based learning (pbl) and how students in the middle grades math and science classroom perceived its effectiveness. Analysis of student perceptions of changes in their learning processes and self-efficacy was analyzed through student interviews. Data identified the components of changes in students'…

The contributions of this research center on two major areas: delineation of a new model of distance education in which the authors identify three generations of eLearning; and examination of how eLearning and games-based eLearning technologies can be used to enrich the Information Systems (IS) learning experiences of students with different…

In 2005 an existing undergraduate course in project management was converted from face-to-face mode to wholly online mode. Wholly online mode means that there are no face-to-face classes at all, and all teaching and learning is facilitated through an online environment. The revised project management course was designed with an underlying…

Higher education institutions around the world are increasingly turning to e-learning as a way of dealing with growing and changing student populations. Education for the knowledge society means new skills and knowledge are needed and it means that lifelong learning has become a necessity. Higher education institutions are looking to e-learning to…

Using collaborative critical reflection as an index, this study examines the asynchronous and face-to-face discourse of 28 suburban Chicago elementary teachers developing problem based learning (PBL) curriculum. Statistical analysis of the corpus produced by the 2 mediums shows that the asynchronous online network emerges as the medium of choice…

Year-long team projects with external clients provide a well recognized opportunity for students to gain industry experience, whilst being supported and guided by staff to minimize risks. Each group should be supervised to ensure that they have enough direction and confidence to approach a new problem of significant size, without being daunted. A…

This study examined different course delivery formats for an introductory special education course, focusing on their impact on student motivation, learning, and attitudes toward helping. The 3-credit course was offered in two formats: a traditional course format (one large lecture section that met for 100 minutes once a week for 150 students and…

Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) School Leadership Project has adopted as a central educational strategy, problem based learning and its sub-model, problems of practice, in its program to prepare school leaders. Problems of practice is an active learning model that involves students in taking responsibility for their learning by immersing…

This paper presents a framework and model for design of open-ended learning environments (OELEs). First, an overview is presented that addresses key characteristics of OELEs, including: use of meaningful, complex contexts; provision of tools and resources; learner reflection and self-monitoring; and social, material, or technological scaffolding.…