Includes bibliographical references (pages 151-160) and index.

Introduction -- Reflective writing -- Writing-to-learn -- Constructing student knowledge -- Collaborative groups -- Selected methods for using collaborative groups -- Changing students' epistemologies -- Problem solving -- Methods of training students to solve problems -- Using the computer to aid teaching.

This book offers broad, practical strategies for teaching science and engineering courses and describes how faculty can provide a learning environment that helps students comprehend the nature of science, understand science concepts, and solve problems in science courses. The student-centered approach focuses on two main themes: reflective writing and working in collaborative groups. When faculty incorporate methods into their courses that challenge their students to critically reflect, collaborate, and problem solve, students gain a better understanding of science as a connected structure of concepts rather than as a simple tool kit of assorted practices. -- Publisher's Description.