Problem-based learning connecting coursework and practice is associated with stronger candidate skill development and self-efficacy¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study (2 entries) · review r2 · q2
Currency · newest study 2017 · checked against its sources 2026-10-18 (automated, 2 of 2 entries) · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Effective programs use context-specific problems to connect coursework and practice, enriching candidates' skill development. → Sutcher 2017 q2 i? San Diego State University's restructuring of fieldwork and coursework was noted by researchers as effective in connecting program experiences to genuine leadership responsibilities and improving candidates' sense of self-efficacy. → Sutcher 2017 (2)

Evidence¶

Sutcher 2017¶

Sutcher, L., Podolsky, A., & Espinoza, D. (2017). Supporting principals' learning: Key features of effective programs. Palo Alto, CA: Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/supporting-principals-learning

q2 · i? · review · r2

The report's review of principal preparation research describes problem-based learning methods, including group discussions, role-playing, video case studies, and simulations, as grounding candidates' learning in authentic experiences while broadening problem-framing skills.

"Effective programs use context-specific problems to connect coursework and practice to enrich candidates' skill development."

Sutcher 2017 (2)¶

Sutcher, L., Podolsky, A., & Espinoza, D. (2017). Supporting principals' learning: Key features of effective programs. Palo Alto, CA: Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/supporting-principals-learning

q2 · i? · review · r2

The report describes San Diego State University's redesigned 18-month comprehensive fieldwork project focused on improving achievement for a candidate-selected target group of students, with coursework supporting each project stage.

"Researchers have noted that the restructuring was effective in providing candidates opportunities to connect program experiences with genuine school leadership responsibilities and in improving candidates' sense of self-efficacy."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Proximal goals and ability attributional feedback for early learning raise self-efficacy more than distant goals and effort feedback, by a review's report of earlier studies — the general claim this finding bears on, with the studies behind it

• Problem-based learning shows null or negative effects on basic knowledge acquisition but positive effects on conceptual understanding and transfer relative to direct instruction — the general claim this finding bears on, with the studies behind it

• Students with belonging, purpose, collaboration, goal-setting, and perseverance skills alongside academic knowledge are more likely to reach their full potential — related
• Positive academic mindsets increase perseverance and academic behaviors, yielding higher grades; negative mindsets produce a self-defeating cycle — related
• A substantial fraction of students reported increased interest in physics and ability to connect physics to their life science majors and careers — related