Field testing of a series of group-learning units in pharmacology based on a patient-oriented problem-solving approach found that the units were well crafted and that students had higher scores on tests of their knowledge of pharmacology after they had used the units. (Author/DB)

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)

Describes how problem-based learning has been adapted for use in elementary and high school settings, including initiating learning with an ill-structured problem, using the problem to structure the learning agenda, and teacher as metacognitive coach. (31 references) (Author/MKR)

Defines and describes virtual reality technology and differentiates between virtual learning environment, learning material, and learning tools. Links learning rationales to virtual reality technology to pave conceptual foundations for application of virtual reality technology education. Constructivism, case-based learning, problem-based learning,…

Typical on-the-job training is unstructured, inconsistent, and slow, yet it accounts for about 80 percent of learning that will occur on the job. More time should be devoted to planning problem-centered training programs and less to formal training. (JOW)

This article defines and presents a rationale for problem-based learning in science teaching. The process of problem-based learning is outlined and its benefits explored. The use of problem-based learning in the classroom is illustrated to support it as a feasible teaching strategy for secondary school science. (Author/PR)

An alternative approach to the traditional methods of professional growth is the development of a "reflective practice." The learning process in reflective practice begins with the examination of an individual's own actions and contrasting the actions to the ideal or intent of the practice. The process results in behavioral changes that…

Describes the implementation of the innovative Guided Discovery Curriculum at the National College of Chiropractic. Emphasizes the relevance of biochemical principles to clinical practice through the selection of two clinical cases. (DDR)

Assesses the quality of tutorial sessions in the problem-based learning curriculum that was adopted at the University of Tampere in Finland. (Author/CCM)

Issues in the design of nursing problems for problem-based learning are as follows: problems must support the underlying educational philosophy and desired outcomes; they should use material from actual cases; and they should be constructed so students take responsibility for learning and control the learning process. (SK)

How can high schools counteract deterrents to achievement that disadvantaged students face? "Project P-BLISS: Problem-Based Learning in the Social Sciences" presents "hidden" disadvantaged gifted students with a curriculum that first captures their interest and challenges them to realize their true potential. (MLH)

Critical review of the literature on problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education focuses on: (1) the credibility of claims (both empirical and theoretical) about the ties between PBL and educational outcomes and (2) the magnitude of the effects. Concludes there is no convincing evidence that PBL improves knowledge base and clinical…

Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Identifies ethnomethodological conversation analysis to analyze a segment of interaction in a problem-based learning (PBL) meeting. Observes that the presentation of a theory makes relevant a variety of sequential activities through which participants in this instructional…

Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Uses a conceptual distinction between linguistic (and other semiotic) resources for making typological (or categorical) versus topological (or continuous variation) meanings as part of a multimedia semiotic analysis of the data episode. (SR)

Examines the discourse of a problem-based learning group in medicine. Finds evidence of similarity in the way that medical students and family members converse. Finds a paradox arising when activities of technoscience and ordinary conversation are rendered in ways that make them indistinguishable without extrinsic reference to who people are or to…