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This book surveys the state of problem-based learning and assesses the impact of this innovative educational methodology on teaching and research effectiveness across a range of disciplines and in a variety of organizational contexts.
In this book, the authors address some basic problems in the learning of biomedical science, medicine, and the other health sciences. Students in most medical schools, especially in basic science courses, are required to memorize a large number of "facts," facts which may or may not be relevant to medical practice. Problem-based learning has two fundamental postulates--the learning through problem-solving is much more effective for creating a body of knowledge usable in the future, and that physician skills most important for patients are problem-solving skills, rather than memory skills. This book presents the scientific basis of problem-based learning and goes on to describe the approaches to problem-based medical learning that have been developed over the years at McMaster University, largely by Barrows and Tamblyn.
Engaging and motivating students--especially the least motivated learners--is a daily challenge. But with the process of problem-based learning (PBL), any teacher can create an exciting, active classroom where students themselves eagerly build problem-solving skills while learning the content necessary to apply them. With problem-based learning, students' work begins with an ill-defined problem. Key to this problem is how it explicitly links something important in students’ daily lives to the classroom. This motivational feature is vital as students define the what, where, and how of resolving the problem situation. Problem-based learning may sound potentially chaotic and haphazard, but it rests on the firm foundation of a teacher's work behind the scenes. The teacher develops a problem long before students see it, specifically choosing the skills and content the problem will emphasize and matching those to curriculum and standards. Though a PBL problem will have no "right" answer, the teacher structures the experience so that specific learning takes place as students generate the problem-solving steps, research issues, and produce a final product. The teacher guides without leading, assists without directing. Note: This product listing is for the Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version of the book.
Research-based theories provide the basis for good decision-making in education. As well, teacher effectiveness and student learning are enhanced when research-based theories are used to design curriculum and daily lessons. This book examines human learning in the context of four types of research-based learning theories: neurological learning theories, behavioral learning theories, cognitive learning theories, and transformative learning theories. With each theory, the basic elements are described along with specific classroom applications. The writing style makes these concepts readily accessible to readers of all levels of experience and expertise. This book is appropriate for preservice teachers who are seeking to comprehend the basic ideas behind these theories. It is appropriate for practicing teachers who want to understand and apply these theories at increasingly higher levels. It is also appropriate for decision-makers or anybody else who wants to understand human learning and educational processes. This book ends with a description of lesson planning that is set in the various theoretical contexts and includes a guide for defining an educational philosophy.
The first book to offer an in-depth exploration of the topic of problem-based learning with contributions from international experts The Wiley Handbook of Problem-Based Learning is the first book of its kind to present a collection of original essays that integrate the research and practice of problem-based learning in one comprehensive volume. With contributions from an international panel of leading scholars, researchers, practitioners and educational and training communities, the handbook is an authoritative, definitive, and contemporary volume that clearly demonstrates the impact and scope of research-based practice in problem-based learning (PBL). After many years of its successful implementation in medical education curricula, problem-based learning is now being emphasized and practiced more widely in K-12, higher education, and other professional fields. The handbook provides timely and stimulating advice and reflection on the theory, research, and practice of PBL. Throughout the book the contributors address the skills needed to implement PBL in the classroom and the need for creating learning environments that are active, collaborative, experiential, motivating and engaging. This important resource: Addresses the need for a comprehensive resource to problem-based learning research and implementation Contains contributions from an international panel of experts on the topic Offers a rich collection of scholarly writings that challenge readers to refresh their knowledge and rethink their assumptions Takes an inclusive approach that addresses the theory, design, and practice of problem-based learning Includes guidelines for instructional designers, and implementation and assessment strategies for practitioners Written for academics, students, and practitioners in education, The Wiley Handbook of Problem-Based Learning offers a key resource to the most recent information on the research and practice of problem-based learning.
Plan enriching Project-Based Learning experiences with ease! The book′s companion website features an updated guide to help teachers integrate technology into PBL experiences for online and blended learning instruction. Is project-planning a project in and of itself? Does project-based learning (PBL) feel more like a pipe dream than a reality in your classroom? Dr. Jennifer Pieratt, a consultant and former teacher herself, knows just where you′re coming from. Developed from the author′s experience in the trenches of project-based learning over the past decade, this book will lead you through the planning process for an authentic PBL experience in a clear and efficient way. Project-based learning has been found to develop workforce readiness, innovation, and student achievement. In this book, the keys to implementing PBL effectively are explored in a simple, easy-to-use format. In addition to thought-provoking questions for journaling, readers will find a visually accessible style featuring • #realtalk soundbites that honor the challenges to implementing PBL • Tips and resources to support the project-planning process • Planning forms to guide you through planning your projects • Key terminology and acronyms in PBL • Exercises to help you reflect and process throughout your project plans If mastering a PBL framework is on your list, prepare to cross it off with the help of this book! Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Winner
This book surveys the state of problem-based learning and assesses the impact of this innovative educational methodology on teaching and research effectiveness across a range of disciplines and in a variety of organizational contexts.
Practical, effective, evidence-based reading interventions that change students' lives Essentials of Understanding and Assessing Reading Difficulties is a practical, accessible, in-depth guide to reading assessment and intervention. It provides a detailed discussion of the nature and causes of reading difficulties, which will help develop the knowledge and confidence needed to accurately assess why a student is struggling. Readers will learn a framework for organizing testing results from current assessment batteries such as the WJ-IV, KTEA-3, and CTOPP-2. Case studies illustrate each of the concepts covered. A thorough discussion is provided on the assessment of phonics skills, phonological awareness, word recognition, reading fluency, and reading comprehension. Formatted for easy reading as well as quick reference, the text includes bullet points, icons, callout boxes, and other design elements to call attention to important information. Although a substantial amount of research has shown that most reading difficulties can be prevented or corrected, standard reading remediation efforts have proven largely ineffective. School psychologists are routinely called upon to evaluate students with reading difficulties and to make recommendations to address such difficulties. This book provides an overview of the best assessment and intervention techniques, backed by the most current research findings. Bridge the gap between research and practice Accurately assess the reason(s) why a student struggles in reading Improve reading skills using the most highly effective evidence-based techniques Reading may well be the most important thing students are taught during their school careers. It is a skill they will use every day of their lives; one that will dictate, in part, later life success. Struggling students need help now, and Essentials of Understanding and Assessing Reading Difficulties shows how to get these students on track.
This book describes team-based learning (TBL), an unusually powerful and versatile teaching strategy that enables teachers to take small group learning to a whole new level of effectiveness. It is the only pedagogical use of small groups that is based on a recognition of the critical difference between "groups" and "teams", and intentionally employs specific procedures to transform newly-formed groups into high performance learning teams.This book is a complete guide to implementing TBL in a way that will promote the deep learning all teachers strive for. This is a teaching strategy that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, mastery of discipline knowledge, and the ability to apply it.Part I covers the basics, beginning with an analysis of the relative merits and limitations of small groups and teams. It then sets out the processes, with much practical advice, for transforming small groups into cohesive teams, for creating effective assignments and thinking through the implications of team-based learning.In Part II teachers from disciplines as varied as accounting, biology, business, ecology, chemistry, health education and law describe their use of team-based learning. They also demonstrate how this teaching strategy can be applied equally effectively in environments such as large classes, mixed traditional and on-line classes, and with highly diverse student populations.Part III offers a synopsis of the major lessons to be learned from the experiences of the teachers who have used TBL, as described in Part II. For teachers contemplating the use of TBL, this section provides answers to key questions, e.g., whether to use team-based learning, what it takes to make it work effectively, and what benefits one can expect from it–for the teacher as well as for the learners.The appendices answer frequently asked questions, include useful forms and exercises, and offer advice on peer evaluations and grading. A related Web site that allows readers to “continue the conversation,” view video material, access indexed descriptions of applications in various disciplines and post questions further enriches the book. The editors’ claim that team-based instruction can transform the quality of student learning is fully supported by the empirical evidence and examples they present. An important book for all teachers in higher education.
