An Evaluation of a Literature Database to Support Problem-Based Learning
Abstract
In problem-based learning (PBL), students must learn core content while directing their own learning. To optimize these two goals, faculty and staff in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University created a literature database, which the author describes and evaluates using ratings and comments from more than 200 professional school students across three cohorts. Most students used the database and found it useful in addressing their learning issues. The database contributed to students' learning of core concepts associated with the courses by helping them access relevant, high-quality articles on course topics. Students' comments suggest that they still had to self-direct their learning and decide how to use the literature.
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