This study attempts to explore the perceived value of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in training teachers of students with behavioral disorders (E/BD) in Hong Kong. It represents an effort to improve the predominately lecture focussed approach adopted in many preparation programs. Data on the training needs of Hong Kong teachers were also acquired and 31 knowledge/skills areas related to teaching students with E/BD were identified. Subjects viewed the PBL approach as dynamic, interesting and incentive driven. It develops skills involved in group learning, self-directed learning, use of information resources and problem-solving. Most important, teachers felt they were supported to explore the practical problems they personally encountered in the classroom and actions they could take to resolve them. Difficulties in using PBL included a lack of resources and the tendencies of most Chinese students to accept rather than challenge others' ideas.

A qualitative exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used to conduct a study. In-depth individual phenomenological interviews with students purposively selected were conducted. Data saturation was reached after interviewing eight students. The following categories emerged: the participants experienced problem-based learning (PBL) as challenging, problematic group collaboration and cohesion, PBL as a good strategy. The challenges experienced included: unfamiliarity with the strategy, inadequate resources in the library, inaccessible computer laboratories because of limited space and operational hours, time pressures and overload. Clinical learning is not given adequate attention and some professional nurses in the clinical areas are not supportive to the university students as compared to college students. Positive conclusions about PBL include that students need the strategy as it promoted critical thinking, improved communication and presentation skills, helped teamwork and learning from others. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health studies)

Finally, by basing its analysis on theories of institutional change, this study provides explanation for two phenomena that emerge from the process of curriculum implementation: formalism in the implementation strategies that attempt to cope with policy requirements and the lack of change in the curriculum deal to difficulties encountered. In light of the aforesaid phenomena, policy recommendations are given for the advancement of curriculum reform. / Secondly, the said pattern of behavior can be explained by institutional factors that have played a substantial role in the implementation process. Guided by a theoretical framework proposed by Scott (2001), this study uses its concepts and propositions to illustrate the institutional resources that are present in the practices of sampled schools and illuminates the institutional mechanisms that are at work. / Since 2001, a new round of curriculum reform was initiated in the Chinese Mainland. In the process of implementation, the reform endeavor has encountered a lot of difficulties. For those scholars who are interested in the reform of Chinese education, achieving an understanding of these difficulties has become their common pursuit. / Thirdly, the nature of the institution that influences the implementation of school curriculum is constituted by the interaction of stakeholders, namely, schools, government, higher institutions, parents, and the media. Through interaction, these stakeholders reach compromises in an "organization field" which in turn contribute to the formation of the institution. / This study approaches education reform from the perspective of policy implementation. It adopts the theoretical lens of neo-institutionalism and examines the implementation of "research based learning" in the schools of District A. As a new form of learning, "research based learning" is heralded as one of the major theme of the new school curriculum. Through the analysis of data collected through interviews and field observation, this study yields results that are presented in the paragraphs below. / To begin with, research has unearthed an obvious "isomorphism" in the reform practices in different schools. The study finds that there is a stable pattern of behavior that is discernible in the implementation process of curriculum reform. This pattern of behavior is commonly shared by different schools engaged in the reform process. / 柯政. / Advisers: Leslie Lo; Wing-kwong Tsang. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: A, page: 1903. / Thesis (doctoral)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-261). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / School code: 1307. / Ke Zheng.

Constructivist teaching strategies are undeniably accepted as effective in achieving the desired educational goals of constructing knowledge through active and creative inquiry. Inasmuch as teachers would love to adopt these strategies in their teaching, mathematics teachers find themselves in a situation where they are forced not to use them. This study investigated the factors that impacted on the selection and adoption of constructivist teaching strategies in selected Gauteng’s urban schools. Four (4) public schools and sixteen (16) mathematics teachers participated in the study. The parallel mixed methods design was employed in the study to produce both quantitative and qualitative data. The data were therefore analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. It was found that the participating mathematics teachers had an understanding of constructivist theories of teaching and that they perceived their classroom environments to be constructivist in character. The study also found that the adoption of constructivist teaching strategies was hindered by teachers’ lack of skills and competencies to handle a curriculum that they felt was handed down to them without their full involvement at all the stages of its development. Learners’ family backgrounds were also identified as a major social factor that impacted negatively against selection of constructivist strategies. Based on these findings, recommendations were made on how constructivist views can be realised in the teaching of mathematics in South African schools. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

Problem-based learning (PBL) was developed for use in medical education to incorporate more active, learner-centered instruction. Central to problem-based learning is the problem, which in medical education is usually case a case presentation, revealed in stages to allow learners to form and research learning objectives. The purpose of this study was to identify themes present across the PBL cases, including the patient-centeredness of the cases. Content analysis was used to examine 62 PBL cases that comprised the first and second years' core curriculum at a public medical school. The cases included a patient population similar to the local population, but care was more hospital-centric than would be expected from the actual patterns of medical utilization in the United States. Analyzing along two axes of patient-centeredness, the PBL cases demonstrated a good understanding of the patient (knowing the patient), but other qualities such as shared decision making was not as exemplified. Medical educators can use the results to understand elements that contribute to patient-centeredness and apply the analysis framework to evaluate future cases.

Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching approach where students engage in the investigation of real-world problems through their inquiries. Studies found considerable support for PBL on student performance and improvement in grades K-12 and at the collegiate level. However, fewer studies have examined the effects of PBL at the collegiate level in comparison to K-12 education. No studies have examined the effects of PBL with preservice teachers taking educational psychology courses. The purpose of this study was to provide an analysis of PBL with preservice teachers taking educational psychology courses. An experiment was conducted throughout two semesters to evaluate student achievement and satisfaction in an undergraduate educational psychology child development course and in an undergraduate educational psychology assessments course, which included the same students from the first semester. Student achievement was determined using quantitative and qualitative analyses in each semester and longitudinally. Results in semester one indicated that the comparison group outperformed the PBL group. Results in semester two suggested there were no differences in instructional styles between groups. Longitudinal analyses showed that the comparison group declined in performance over time, whereas the PBL group improved over time; although, the comparison group still outperformed the PBL group. Results of this study indicate that PBL was not an influential teaching method for preservice teachers taking educational psychology courses.

Thesis (MPhil (Centre for Health Sciences Education)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the approaches, conceptions and perceptions toward learning of undergraduate Physiotherapy students in a PBL module in order to inform curriculum development and enhance facilitation of learning at the Stellenbosch University Division of Physiotherapy. Methodology: A mixed-method, descriptive study was conducted during 2010. Physiotherapy students currently in their 3rd year of the course, completed the Revised Two-factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) at the commencement of the academic year and again at the end of the first semester. The aim of this questionnaire is to determine the deep and surface approach toward learning of participants. Students also completed a perception of learning questionnaire and participated in focus group discussions to evaluate their perceptions and conceptions of learning in the module. Results of the three data instruments were analysed statistically, descriptively and phenomenographically, respectively. Results: There was a 100% response rate to the R-SPQ-2F and perception questionnaires, with only 6 out of 16 participants responding to invitations for focus group interviews. There were a statistically significant greater number of students who adopted a deep approach toward learning at the commencement of the academic year. An increase in those with a deep approach and a decrease in those with a surface approach toward learning were seen at the end of the first semester. This shift was however not significant. Students showed a trend toward an increase in their intrinsic interest in the learning material as the module progressed. Clinical reasoning and internalizing information were seen as two of the advantages of the instructional approach. Conversely, the disadvantages of the module included the perception that the instructional approach used is time consuming and concerns regarding quality and accuracy of learning material. The presence of dysfunctional group dynamics also plays a role in students perceptions of disadvantages in APT. Students conceived the module to have an effect on their approach toward learning and both personal and professional skills. Conclusion: The Applied Physiotherapy 373 module had no significant effect on students‟ approach toward learning. The results of this study however are not conclusive on why and how this lack of significant effect is present. Further research is needed to determine the long-term changes in approach toward learning and the possible determinants of these changes. This should be done in conjunction with implementation of quality assurance mechanisms for learning material, introduction of multi-media into PBL sessions and earlier preparation of students for the change in learning environment.

Thesis (MPhil)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / Introduction: The close interrelation between the processes of learning, assessment and feedback has been recognized and supported extensively in the educational field for many decades. The benefits of the feedback as a strong tool for facilitating learning have been corroborated by learning theories and educational research. The introduction of Problem- Based Learning (PBL) approaches to higher education programmes, especially in medical training, is a worldwide trend. The PBL approach to learning brings new perspectives to the specific characteristics and values of feedback on learning and the quality of learning and thus, more especially to the role of the tutor as learning facilitator. Purpose: To explore the medical students’ perception of the role and utility of the verbal feedback provided by the tutor to students during the PBL tutorial sessions; and the students’ perceptions on how to improve the effectiveness of the feedback. Methodology: This study used a qualitative and interpretive methodological approach. The qualitative data collection tool used was the focus group discussion. The study was conducted at the Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where the faculty of Health Sciences has implemented the PBL approach for training. The research targeted the students in the third year of the MBChB program. Results: Students’ perceptions on the role of the tutorial feedback suggested that they strongly acknowledge its value: they see it as a tool for improving their learning skills and also as an enhancer of their learning motivation and regulation. The students also perceived it as instrumental in the modelling of programme-specific professional skills which would be required in their future medical practice. Students’ expectations from PBL-tutors feedback are quite high and comprehensive regarding both the kind and the nature of the feedback. Students perceived that the imperfections in the feedback received during tutorial sessions were a source of emotional discomfort and a hindrance to their learning success. The students’ need for clear, timely and regular provision of feedback, based on specific learning outcomes, was also highlighted. The participants’ recommendations for improving the efficient use of feedback included the regularization of the feedback practices across the different tutors and an increase in the allotted time for self-directed learning in their schedule. Conclusions: The results of this study support the need for a socio-constructive learning environment to ensure successful learning in PBL. Among other conditions, the harmonious provision of balanced, supportive and motivating feedback is a complement for the establishment of a learning environment conducive to learning. Similarly, students highlighted the need for highly skilled PBL-trained tutors, to enable them to self-monitor and self-regulate their learning, and ensure learning success via the facilitation and feedback. Higher Education Institutions using PBL training must identify and address factors limiting the effectiveness of the feedback and the overall quality of learning such as increased staff workload, increased demand for resources and modularization of courses. Recommendations: Higher education institutions using PBL training should address the need for training of tutors in the different aspects and practices of the feedback in the specific settings of the small group tutorial. External factors interfering with the effective use of tutors’ feedback should also be considered to minimize their negative impact on students’ learning. A regular process of curriculum enquiry is required to ensure the constructivist alignment of the different curricular components and overall design as a condition for the successful implementation of PBL.

The main purpose of this thesis is to identify, describe and interpret group processes occurring in tutorials in problem-based leaming. Another aim is to investigate if a combination of Steiner's (1972) theory of group work and Bion's (1961) theory of work and regression in groups may be a fruitful way to interpret and explain group dynamics in problem-based learning. Data have been collected trough a multi-strategy approach. The principal, as we11 as the preliminary, method for data gathering was qualitative. The quantitative method was used as a follow-up study. The data gathering methods used were less-structured observation, structured questionnaire and focused intewiews. The results disclose that it is possible to give a comprehensive and descriptive picture of the group processes that occur in tutorials. The results also show that a combination of Steiner's and Bion's theories may be a fruitfil way to describe, interpret and explain group dynarnics in tutorial groups. By combining the theories a new theoretical mode1 was created. The combination can be considered as a way of developing the theories and at the same time it offers a theoretical too1 for research purposes. The combination represents a new way of categorising group processes and can hopefilly provide a better understanding of interactional dynamics in groups and account for greater explanation value with respect to group processes. From a group research perspective the mode1 can be seen as my contribution to theory development. From a user perspective this knowledge may contribute valuable information. More, or deeper, knowledge of group processes that occurs in tutorials can provide tutors with means for better understanding of dynarnics in groups.

An illuminative evaluation of the final year prosthodontic component of the Oral Health Science curriculum (OHSC 501 Component 1) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa was conducted. This evaluation method was employed to illustrate how an evaluation strategy was used to assess classroom practices following institutional curriculum reform. The aim was to use a qualitative evaluation process to assess the impact of the curriculum change at classroom level and to evaluate how a department had reformed its’ teaching and learning strategies within the hybrid problem based learning curriculum that had been implemented. Additionally, it was to evaluate how this curriculum operated in its own terms. From July through October 2007 small group teaching involving problem based learning, led by two faculty from the department of prosthodontics were observed. Six two hour long small group sessions (equivalent to twelve forty minute lessons), were observed and they revealed a variety of pedagogic strategies utilised. The plan, as outlined in the instructional system was held up against the reality through observations of what happened in the classroom. By and large the findings illustrate that much of what was planned was realised, with the more experienced staff member teaching more or less to the plan. However, from the themes that were inductively derived from analysis of the data, it was clear that integration of content knowledge and critical thinking necessary to assist in the comprehensive management of dental patients was not as robust as would be expected from the students at this level during their training. As part of the objectives of the curriculum innovation instituted, content knowledge integration and critical thinking skills are key to the success of the innovation and employing illuminative evaluation methodology afforded the opportunity to delve deeper into these. This finding illustrates the importance of using qualitative evaluation approaches as a mechanism to assess curriculum change efforts.