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Full-Text Articles in Education

Supporting Student Self-Regulated Learning In Problem- And Project-Based Learning, Mary C. English, Anastasia Kitsantas Sep 2013

Supporting Student Self-Regulated Learning In Problem- And Project-Based Learning, Mary C. English, Anastasia Kitsantas

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

In order to be successful in problem- or project-based learning (PBL), students must take responsibility for the learning process by setting goals, monitoring, reflecting, and sustaining their motivation from the beginning of the project until the end. However, for many students, these processes do not occur naturally or easily. Therefore, the learning environment and teaching practices in PBL must be designed with intention to support students’ self-regulated learning (SRL). This paper describes specific learning environment features and teaching practices that have been shown to foster student responsibility for learning in each phase of PBL, with the purpose of providing educators …


Definitions And Uses: Case Study Of Teachers Implementing Project-Based Learning, Suha R. Tamim, Michael M. Grant May 2013

Definitions And Uses: Case Study Of Teachers Implementing Project-Based Learning, Suha R. Tamim, Michael M. Grant

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore inservice teachers’ definitions of project based learning (PjBL) and their accounts on the meaning of their PjBL implementations. A purposive sample of six teachers from grades four through twelve in public and private schools participated. Three themes evolved from inductive analysis: (1) teachers define PjBL through its perceived advantages on learning, (2) teachers vary in their use of PjBL over the continuum of the learning process, and (3) teachers adopt student-centered approaches in PjBL. Interpretations and implications of the findings are also presented.


Drugs, Devices, And Desires: A Problem-Based Learning Course In The History Of Medicine, Sarah Levitt, Anne Mckeage, P. K. Rangachari Mar 2013

Drugs, Devices, And Desires: A Problem-Based Learning Course In The History Of Medicine, Sarah Levitt, Anne Mckeage, P. K. Rangachari

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) is well suited for courses in the history of medicine, where multiple perspectives exist and information has to be gleaned from different sources. A student, an archivist, and a teacher offer three perspectives about a senior level course where students explored the antecedents and consequences of medical technology. Two active learning strategies were used: (a) PBL to explore the historical basis of procedures used to diagnose, prevent and treat a single disease, tuberculosis, and (b) a concurrent inquiry-based component that permitted individual exploration of other medical technologies and demonstration of learning through diverse options (book reviews, conversations, …


“Voices From The Field” Overview, Call For Papers, And Section Introduction, Michael M. Grant Mar 2013

“Voices From The Field” Overview, Call For Papers, And Section Introduction, Michael M. Grant

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.


Commentary For The Special Issue: Pbl Scholarship: Building On The Educational Vision Of Howard Barrows, Peggy A. Ertmer Mar 2013

Commentary For The Special Issue: Pbl Scholarship: Building On The Educational Vision Of Howard Barrows, Peggy A. Ertmer

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

In this commentary, I discuss each of the seven articles included in this special issue, which, as a collection, honor the impact of Howard Barrows’ vision on the scholarship and practice of problem-based learning (PBL). Collectively, these articles represent a variety of contexts, content areas, delivery formats, and structures in PBL implementations and research. Each article is examined and evaluated for specific information that practitioners and researchers may use in their future PBL efforts.


Beyond Beliefs: Teachers Adapting Problem-Based Learning To Preexisting Systems Of Practice, John L. Pecore Sep 2012

Beyond Beliefs: Teachers Adapting Problem-Based Learning To Preexisting Systems Of Practice, John L. Pecore

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a constructivist method of instruction aligned with the science educational reform movement to increase scientific literacy for all Americans. As such, PBL instruction is an increasingly popular topic for professional development workshops offered to teachers in secondary learning environments. This research presents a case study of four teachers’ alignment of classroom practice with constructivist principles after participating in a one-week PBL workshop. Teachers assimilated PBL instruction into their current system of teaching; therefore, despite congruent beliefs, those teachers without a constructivist system of practice taught the PBL method with less alignment to constructivist principles. This discrepancy …


Using Questioning To Facilitate Discussion Of Science Teaching Problems In Teacher Professional Development, Meilan Zhang, Mary Lundeberg, Tom J. Mcconnell, Matthew J. Koehler, Jan Eberhardt Feb 2010

Using Questioning To Facilitate Discussion Of Science Teaching Problems In Teacher Professional Development, Meilan Zhang, Mary Lundeberg, Tom J. Mcconnell, Matthew J. Koehler, Jan Eberhardt

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Previous research has shown that questioning is a key strategy that facilitators use to promote discussion in Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Yet, there is a lack of detailed understanding on what questions facilitators ask and how those questions affect discussion. In this study we examined different types of questions that experienced facilitators asked to promote discussion of teaching problems in professional development for science teachers. We videotaped six PBL sessions facilitated by three pairs of experienced facilitators. Data analysis showed that facilitators asked a set of questions to initiate and advance PBL discourse, including questions to solicit ideas, to reframe ideas, …


A Cognitive Support System To Scaffold Students’ Problem-Based Learning In A Web-Based Learning Environment, Xun Ge, Lourdes G. Planas, Nelson Er Feb 2010

A Cognitive Support System To Scaffold Students’ Problem-Based Learning In A Web-Based Learning Environment, Xun Ge, Lourdes G. Planas, Nelson Er

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of question prompts and peer review on scaffolding students’ problem-based learning in a web-based cognitive support system. Ninety-six pharmacy students were randomly assigned to a treatment or control condition. The students in both conditions were asked to generate solutions to a real-world problem on clinical communication in a web-based learning environment. The results indicated that students who received question prompts significantly outperformed those who did not in each of the five problem-solving steps in both initial and revised reports. The results also showed that students in both conditions significantly improved their …


Storytelling As An Instructional Method: Definitions And Research Questions, Dee H. Andrews, Thomas D. Hull, Jennifer A. Donahue Oct 2009

Storytelling As An Instructional Method: Definitions And Research Questions, Dee H. Andrews, Thomas D. Hull, Jennifer A. Donahue

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

The goal of this paper is to discuss the theoretical and empirical foundations of the use of storytelling in instruction. The definition of a “story” is given and four instructional methods are identified related to storytelling: case-based, narrative-based, scenario-based and problem-based instruction. The article puts forth descriptions of the four instructional methods above, describes several research issues, some foundational work and theories, and proposes a research agenda.


Book Review: A Practical Guide To Problem-Based Learning Online, Jennifer C. Richardson Mar 2009

Book Review: A Practical Guide To Problem-Based Learning Online, Jennifer C. Richardson

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.


When Is Pbl More Effective? A Meta-Synthesis Of Meta-Analyses Comparing Pbl To Conventional Classrooms, Johannes Strobel, Angela Van Barneveld Mar 2009

When Is Pbl More Effective? A Meta-Synthesis Of Meta-Analyses Comparing Pbl To Conventional Classrooms, Johannes Strobel, Angela Van Barneveld

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been utilized for over 40 years in a variety of different disciplines. Although extensively researched, there is heated debate about the effectiveness of PBL. Several meta-analyses were conducted that provided a synthesis of the effects of PBL in comparison to traditional forms of instruction. This study used a qualitative meta-synthesis approach to compare and contrast the assumptions and findings of the meta-analytical research on the effectiveness of PBL. Findings indicated that PBL was superior when it comes to long-term retention, skill development and satisfaction of students and teachers, while traditional approaches were more effective for short-term …


Engaging Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Adopting A Nine-Step Problem-Based Learning Model, Karen C. Goodnough, Woei Hung Oct 2008

Engaging Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Adopting A Nine-Step Problem-Based Learning Model, Karen C. Goodnough, Woei Hung

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Engaging primary and elementary students in meaningful, relevant science learning is challenging. PBL is an instructional approach that provides a means to foster meaningful science learning while enhancing teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). This paper reports on the experiences of a teacher inquiry group consisting of five teachers (K-5) and a university researcher as they adopted a nine-step problem design model to develop PBL experiences. The objectives of the study were to examine how various facets of teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge are engaged as they design PBL modules; describe how teachers engage with a nine-step problem design model; and document …


Framing Collaborative Behaviors: Listening And Speaking In Problem-Based Learning, Louisa Remedios, David Clarke, Lesleyanne Hawthorne Jan 2008

Framing Collaborative Behaviors: Listening And Speaking In Problem-Based Learning, Louisa Remedios, David Clarke, Lesleyanne Hawthorne

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

PBL is described as small-group collaborative learning; however, literature on how collaboration is enacted in PBL contexts is limited. A two-year ethnographic study examined the experiences and responses of Asian students to the obligations of PBL in a Western context. Participant-observation, videotape data, and video-stimulated recall interviews provided insights into collaborative behaviors in PBL classrooms. Even though students recognized that listening and speaking were important to collaboration, speaking was clearly privileged over listening in this PBL setting. A framework was developed that incorporated both collaborative and noncollaborative listening and speaking behaviors. This Collaborative Listening/Speaking (CLS) framework provides a structure for …


The Effectiveness Of Problem-Based Instruction: A Comparative Study Of Instructional Methods And Student Characteristics, John R. Mergendoller, Nan L. Maxwell, Yolanda Bellisimo Nov 2006

The Effectiveness Of Problem-Based Instruction: A Comparative Study Of Instructional Methods And Student Characteristics, John R. Mergendoller, Nan L. Maxwell, Yolanda Bellisimo

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

This study compared the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional instructional approaches in developing high-school students’ macroeconomics knowledge and examined whether PBL was differentially effective with students demonstrating different levels of four aptitudes: verbal ability, interest in economics, preference for group work, and problem-solving efficacy. Over all, PBL was found to be a more effective instructional approach for teaching macroeconomics than traditional lecture–discussion (p = .05). Additional analyses provided evidence that PBL was more effective than traditional instruction with students of average verbal ability and below, students who were more interested in learning economics, and students who were most …


The 3c3r Model: A Conceptual Framework For Designing Problems In Pbl, Woei Hung May 2006

The 3c3r Model: A Conceptual Framework For Designing Problems In Pbl, Woei Hung

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Well-designed problems are crucial for the success of problem-based learning (PBL). Previous discussions about designing problems for PBL have been rather general and inadequate in guiding educators and practitioners to design effective PBL problems. This paper introduces the 3C3R PBL problem design model as a conceptual framework for systematically designing optimal PBL problems. The 3C3R model comprises two classes of components: core components and processing components. Core components—including content, context, and connection—support content and conceptual learning, while processing components—consisting of researching, reasoning, and reflecting—concern students’ cognitive processes and problem-solving skills. This paper discusses the model in terms of its theoretical …


Jumping The Pbl Implementation Hurdle: Supporting The Efforts Of K–12 Teachers, Peggy A. Ertmer, Krista D. Simons May 2006

Jumping The Pbl Implementation Hurdle: Supporting The Efforts Of K–12 Teachers, Peggy A. Ertmer, Krista D. Simons

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

While problem-based learning (PBL) has a relatively long history of successful use in medical and pre-professional schools, it has yet to be widely adopted by K–12 teachers. This may be due, in part, to the numerous challenges teachers experience when implementing PBL. In this paper, we describe specific hurdles that teachers are likely to encounter during the implementation process and provide specific suggestions for supporting teachers’ classroom efforts. Implementation challenges relate to 1) creating a culture of collaboration and interdependence, 2) adjusting to changing roles, and 3) scaffolding student learning and performance. By supporting teachers’ initial and ongoing efforts, we …


Overview Of Problem-Based Learning: Definitions And Distinctions, John R. Savery May 2006

Overview Of Problem-Based Learning: Definitions And Distinctions, John R. Savery

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that has been used successfully for over 30 years and continues to gain acceptance in multiple disciplines. It is an instructional (and curricular) learner-centered approach that empowers learners to conduct research, integrate theory and practice, and apply knowledge and skills to develop a viable solution to a defined problem. This overview presents a brief history, followed by a discussion of the similarities and differences between PBL and other experiential approaches to teaching, and identifies some of the challenges that lie ahead for PBL.