This manuscript presents a case for the use of problem-based learning (PBL) in the preservice training of rural special educators. The PBL process is defined and its implementation procedures are outlined. A PBL case scenario is presented from a course on secondary special education methods from a rural university. Additionally, preservice teachers' PBL analyses of the case are displayed and discussed. Implications for the use of PBL are offered, in particular with rural preservice teachers in mind.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
The Abell Foundation (2001). Teacher certification reconsidered: Stumbling for quality. Baltimore: Author.
2.
Darling-Hammond,L., & Wise,A. E.(1985). Beyond standardization: State standards and school improvement.Elementary School Journal, 85, 315–336.
3.
Davis,P. C. (1989). Implementing comprehensive parent services in small rural school districts. In Education and the changing rural community: Anticipating the 21st century. Proceedings of the 1989 ACRES/NRSSC Symposium. Bellingham, WA: American Council on Rural Special Education.
4.
Dean,C. D. (2001). They expect teachers to do that? Helping teachers explore and take ownership of their profession. In LevinB. B. (Ed.), Energizing teacher education and professional development with problem-based learning (pp. 8–23). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
5.
Dempsey,S. D. (1990). Teacher competencies for rural special educators: Implications for special (adapted) physical education.Rural Special Education Quarterly, 10(3), 3–12.
6.
Frederiksen,J. R., & Collins,A.(1989). Systems approach to educational testing.Educational Researcher, 18(9), 27–32.
7.
Greeno,J. G., Collins,A. M., & Resnick,L.(1996). Cognition and learning. In CalfeeR. C. & BerlinerD. C. (Eds.), Handbook of educational psychology (pp. 15–46). New York: Macmillan.
8.
Helge,D. (1989). Rural family-community partnerships: Resources, strategies, and models. Bellingham, WA: American Council on Rural Special Education.
9.
Helge,D. (1992). Solving special education reform problems in rural areas.Preventing School Failure, 36(4), 11–16.
10.
Hess,F. M. (2001). Tear down this wall: The case for a radical overhaul of teacher certification. Washington, DC: Progressive Policy Institute
11.
Hmelo,C. E., & Evensen,D. H.(2000). Problem-based learning: Gaining insights on learning interactions through multiple methods of inquiry. In EvensenD. H. & HmeloC. E., Problem-based learning: A research perspective on learning interactions (pp. 1–16). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
12.
Kelson,A. C. M. (2000). Epilogue: Assessment of students for proactive lifelong learning. In EvensenD. H. & HmeloC. E. (Eds.), Problem-based learning: A research perspective on learning interactions (pp. 315–345). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
13.
Levin,B. B. (2001). Introduction. In LevinB. B. (Ed.), Energizing teacher education and professional development with problem-based learning (p. 1–7). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
14.
Mettetal,G. (2001). Classroom action research as problem-based learning. In Levin,B.B. (Ed.), Energizing teacher education and professional development with problem-based learning (pp. 108–120). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
15.
Savery,J. R., & Duffy,T. M.(1994). Problem-based learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework.Educational Technology, 35(5), 31–38.
16.
Schmidt,H. G., & Moust,J. H. C. (2000). Factors affecting small-group tutorial learning: A review of research. In Evensen,D.H. & HmeloC. E. (Eds.), Problem-based learning: A research perspective on learning interactions (pp. 19–51). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
17.
Shumow,L. (2001). Problem-based learning in an undergraduate educational psychology course. In Levin,B.B. (Ed.), Energizing teacher education and professional development with problem-based learning (pp. 24–37). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
18.
Tom,A. R. (1997). Redesigning teacher education. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press.
19.
Wiggins,G. (1989). Teaching to the (authentic) test.Educational Leadership, 46(7), 41–47.
