Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

Abstract

Problem based learning (PBL) has been used for many years and it is one of the effective educational methodologies applicable for distinguished engineering disciplines. It is a widely used student-centric approach through which students get engaged to solve real world problems by research, continuous study, and regular practices along with knowledge utilization during implementation. This study explores the PBL with an advanced computer engineering course of pre-final year students. This study centers around the implementation of a system to solve one of the real-life problems and distinguishes a portion of the difficulties that lie ahead for PBL. Here, to examine the impact of PBL approach for the specified subject, the result of B.Tech. (CE and IT branches) sixth semester students (A.Y. 2019-20 and 2020-21) are considered with various known parameters. Students' feedback is taken at the end of course study. Problem title, hook of the problem, background or history of the problem, clarifying/providing constraints, list of deliverables, strategy to solve the problem, assessment criteria/rubric etc. are provided well in advance to the students to be comprehensible for the problem. Learning sequence sessions are also arranged on a regular basis during problem solving by the facilitator to fill out the gap. As a result, the PBL approach is found to be intended more strongly for engineering students than for other students; in contrast, with traditional MCQ based examination students mostly focus on mug up of concepts rather than implementation and critical thinking. Engineering students are able to work smartly along with hard work, and as a result students have developed their technical skills, collaborative skills, self-learning approach with advanced computer engineering courses. Assessment pattern has changed into advancement with the proposed PBL approach over a traditional MCQ based approach. Continuous assessment is performed on covering all segments of the exam. Results found with traditional approach are contrasted with results found with PBL approach and tracked down that a more prominent number of students had secured more than over average score (>=60%) with the proposed PBL approach and statistically proven for the same. This correlation shows that students are more noticeable and curious about the PBL approach as opposed to robbing up hypothetical ideas and choosing the appropriate answers with a traditional MCQ based approach. In Addition, student’s feedback is observed to be very satisfactory. It has been seen that through PBL, students' retaining level has extremely increased and their learning abilities and understanding level too has improved altogether. PBL plays out a fundamental role for achieving the student's involvement and commitment towardslearning. Logical, critical thinking, teamwork, technical etc. skills for engineering students can be developed effectively with the PBL approach.

Keywords— Problem-based learning, Continuous assessment, PBL, self-regulated learning, self-directed learning