A study involving 180 Australian nursing students and 41 clinical mentors evaluated a flexible delivery system rotating clinical practice with classroom/online courses involving problem-based learning. There was evidence of increased self-confidence, self-direction, and goal setting. Faculty, students, and mentors had concerns about assessment and…

Discusses how the design and implementation of problem-solving tools used in programming instruction are complementary with both the theories of problem-based learning (PBL), including constructivism, and the practices of distributed education environments. Examines how combining PBL, Web-based distributed education, and a problem-solving…

Provides a brief overview of past research in mathematical problem solving, discusses the apparent recent decline in research in this area, and suggests some issues and questions that should be the focus of research. (42 references) (MKR)

Provides examples to aid in describing the transferable skills gained rather than rote memorization through the use of problem-based learning. Also demonstrates how the distance-learner (student with poor access to libraries and virtually no interaction with other students) can benefit from certain elements of a problem-based approach. (ZWH)

Problem-based learning emphasizes critical thinking and clinical judgment. Competency-based education focuses on clinical competence. A merger of the two in nursing education could generate higher levels of inquiry and more expert clinicians. (SK)

Discusses the problem-based learning format as it relates to the education of medical students. Describes key objectives in the education of physicians and questions how effective medical schools are in achieving those key objectives using a problem-based format. (CCM)

Pre/posttest data on 40 physicians who completed problem-based clinical scenarios on osteoporosis revealed that 39 showed improvement or modest change in postworkshop scores, especially in terms of management of male patients, determination of risk factors, and use and interpretation of bone density tests. (SK)

A professor and a student offer their views of problem-based learning as experienced in a University of Delaware undergraduate class in physiology. Vignettes of class activities and discussions are interspersed with a review of the history of and research on problem-based learning. (DB)

Focuses on problem-based learning (PBL). Explains ill-defined problems of PBL and compares PBL with the typical problem solving approach. Lists 10 steps to involve students in constructing understanding for use with PBL. (YDS)

Having business students work on commissioned projects from external clients provides an opportunity for problem-based learning. Projects should provide coherent strategies for curriculum support, potential for integration, specification of learning outcomes, emphasis on process as well as product, and occasion for reflective practice. (SK)

At Linkoping University, medical education focused on problem-based learning was introduced, with an unchanged budget, but a new method of resource management. The point system for teaching and administrative tasks gives better control of resources and increases departments' motivation to participate. (SK)

Describes phases of project-based learning (PBL): diagnosis, data feedback, and organization of learning projects. Compares PBL to other action-based learning methods. Provides four examples of PBL, underpinned by learning network theory. (SK)

Presents a rear-end car accident scenario to teach about forces and kinetic energy in a problem-based learning format. Includes four parts: (1) "A Bad Day for Sandy Dayton"; (2) "The Emergency Room"; (3) "The Facts of the Case"; and (4) "Judgement Day". Discusses the major issues of the questions, introduces scientific concepts, and initiates…

Describes using the case method of teaching in a sociology class. The case method is a student-centered, highly interactive pedagogy that changes the classroom process into a collaborative search for an analysis and solution to a specific problem based on a case (a text that provides information about a situation without analyzing it). (EV)

Evaluated use of student peer assessors in second-year viva examinations as part of a problem based occupational therapy curriculum at the University of Newcastle (Australia). Overall ratings by three-person assessment panels (two students and one academic tutor) were significantly correlated providing support for the practice of peer assessment.…