The computer numerical control (CNC) flatbed router is a powerful tool and a must-have piece of equipment for any technology education program in which students will produce a product--whether it involves Manufacturing, Materials Processing, or any of the vast array of Project Lead the Way courses. This article describes an activity--producing a…

Creating activities that model engineering design as it appears in industry provides great experience for technology students. Design in general creates an element with special regard to its form and function. Engineering design involves doing that, and going beyond to produce an efficient product that addresses its intended purpose. In this…

Tasks and problems in problem-based learning (PBL) are supposed to trigger and structure the learning process. The quality of problems in PBL is generally regarded as an important driver of the individual and collaborative learning processes. Although the importance of the PBL task is widely recognized, there is a lack of empirical findings and…

This article reports on extended research into the use of enquiry-based learning (EBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) in a human resource management undergraduate programme. The authors have collected and analysed qualitative and quantitative data over a three-year period, some of which have been previously reported (Reynolds and Benmore, 2003,…

In 1999, the Southeast Advanced Technological Education Consortium (SEATEC) held two national forums on the campus of Vanderbilt University. The first forum addressed the design of case studies for technological education. The second focused on best practices in teaching technological content through case studies (TEFATE, 1999). The second event…

This paper reports on the development and piloting of a systematic review and meta analysis of research on the effectiveness of problem based learning (PBL). The systematic review protocol was pilot tested with a sample of studies cited as providing "evidence" about the effectiveness of PBL. From the 5 studies mentioned in the sample of reviews,…

Traces development of the problem-based, five-year curriculum of the new medical school at the University of Newcastle (Australia), outlining the events of the three years before it opened and commenting on the experiences of its first year. A timetable of medical problems studied by the students is presented. (Author/JD)

Review of problem-based learning (PBL) finds that innovation is comprised of four elements: an ill-structured problem, substantive content, student apprenticeship, and self-directed learning. Research evidence suggests that PBL is better than traditional instruction on long-term information retention, conceptual understanding, and self-directed…

Suggests a concept framework for online learning based on collaborative/cooperative strategies and course designs that enhance creative and critical thinking. Urges a shift to project- and problem-based learning and action-reflection cycles. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

Discusses the challenges of scaling out university-developed, project-based science curricula. Investigates what constitutes and why implement inquiry-based, project focused learning environments; the role of integrating technology to support their implementation; the value of engaging in design experiments for their development; the importance of…

Introduces a project for elementary school students in which students build a robot by following instructions and then write a computer program to run their robot by using LabView graphical development software. Uses ROBOLAB curriculum which is designed for grade levels K-12. (YDS)

Reviews the foundational principles of situated cognition and substantiates its theoretical underpinnings with a transactional worldview; draws connections between situated cognition and problem-based learning; and draws implications from situated cognition and problem-based learning to learning and instruction with technology. Suggests that…

Considers how to teach the various areas of mass media in sufficient depth, without sacrificing breadth. Discusses a variation of problem-based learning (PBL) as one possible solution to that educational conundrum. Focuses on a project developed by a group of public relations students using the PBL method. (SG)

The literature reveals disagreement over the degree of intervention facilitators should make in problem-based learning (PBL). PBL requires a shift to a constructivist teaching philosophy. Instructors who serve as facilitators need training in PBL methods and group dynamics in order to be effective. (SK)

Examines the effect of group size in problem-based learning on the problem-solving skill, self-directedness, and technical knowledge of 72 students in a dental education program. Discusses results of pretests and posttests, students' reactions, and implications for instructional design. (Contains 34 references.) (Author/LRW)