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Related Concept Videos

Problem-Solving01:29

Problem-Solving

Effective problem-solving consists of two steps: 1. identifying the problem and 2. selecting the appropriate problem-solving strategy (i.e., a plan of action used to find a solution). Humans use four problem-solving strategies:
Cognitive Learning01:21

Cognitive Learning

Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
Principle of Virtual Work: Problem Solving01:13

Principle of Virtual Work: Problem Solving

The principle of virtual work is an essential concept in the field of mechanics and engineering. This is used to solve problems related to the equilibrium of a structure or system. It is based on the assumption that if a system is in equilibrium, the work done by all the forces during a virtual displacement is zero. This principle is applied by considering virtual displacements of the system and the corresponding work done by internal and external forces.
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Coping Strategies: Problem Focused01:27

Coping Strategies: Problem Focused

Coping strategies are methods people use to manage, tolerate, or reduce the effects of stressors. These strategies involve both behavioral and psychological actions to handle stressful situations. One common approach is problem-focused coping, which aims to change or eliminate the source of stress rather than merely addressing its consequences. This method involves taking direct action to resolve the issue causing stress.
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Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis01:24

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The nursing process provides a clinical decision-making framework for patients and families to establish and implement a personalized care plan. Since part of the nurse's duties is to teach patients, the steps of the nursing process are the most effective way to approach instruction. The nursing process and the teaching-learning process are inextricably linked.
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Purposive Learning

E. C. Tolman emphasized the purposiveness of behavior — the idea that much of our behavior is goal-directed. For instance, employees who aim for a promotion work diligently to meet their targets. Tolman argued that when classical conditioning and operant conditioning occur, the organism acquires certain expectations. In classical conditioning, a child might fear a dog because they expect it to bite. In operant conditioning, a person might consistently work overtime because they expect a bonus...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
13:44

Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques

Published on: December 9, 2022

The process of problem-based learning: what works and why.

Henk G Schmidt1, Jerome I Rotgans, Elaine H J Yew

  • 1Department of Psychology, Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. schmidt@fsw.eur.nl

Medical Education
|July 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Problem-based learning (PBL) enhances learning by activating prior knowledge and allowing elaboration. Both group collaboration and individual study are equally important for effective knowledge acquisition in PBL.

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Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
10:26

Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities

Published on: September 11, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Science
  • Educational Psychology
  • Medical Education

Background:

  • Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach where learners construct mental models to solve problems.
  • Two key hypotheses explain learning in PBL: activation-elaboration and situational interest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review research supporting the activation-elaboration and situational interest hypotheses in PBL.
  • To examine the impact of various support strategies on PBL effectiveness.
  • To summarize micro-analytical studies on PBL processes in natural classroom settings.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of research related to PBL hypotheses.
  • Analysis of studies on PBL support strategies.
  • Synthesis of findings from micro-analytical studies of PBL in classrooms.

Main Results:

  • PBL effectively activates and elaborates prior knowledge, improving comprehension and long-term retention.
  • Situational interest is aroused by problems, driving student engagement.
  • Cognitively and socially congruent tutoring (flexible scaffolding) is more effective than rigid scaffolding.
  • Small-group work reduces dropout and promotes regular study habits.
  • Learning in PBL results equally from social collaboration and individual knowledge acquisition.

Conclusions:

  • PBL facilitates learning through knowledge activation and elaboration in a small-group setting.
  • Situational interest and effective scaffolding are crucial for successful PBL.
  • Both collaborative and individual learning processes are essential components of PBL's effectiveness.