The educational contributions of
David Himmelblau and Gary Powers
are extended by describing a broad spectrum of learning environments
that start with a problem. Many of these are characterized in the
literature as being simply problem-based learning (PBL) or claiming
to be similar to PBL (for example, process oriented guided inquiry
learning, model-eliciting activities, project-based synthesis). In
this paper, the different outcomes from the learning environment and
the degree to which students are empowered with the learning process
are criteria used to help identify the subtle differences of the options
in 33 learning environments. Elaborations and examples are given for
23 of these. Options for assessment are cited. Brief suggestions are
given about how to select an effective learning environment with which
you are comfortable.