PBL Based Teaching-Learning Strategy for Inculcating Research Aptitude in CS/IT Students

Abstract

The student engagement with developing problem-solving, self-learning and research aptitude is a challenging assignment in higher education especially in engineering education. Various outcome-based teaching-learning methodologies devised by educationalist and practised by engineering teachers. The main objective of this paper is to develop problem-solving, self-learning and research aptitude among students using problem-based learning (PBL). To achieve the objectives, the backward design process is used. Paper presents the PBL process from finalizing objectives, assessment methods, curriculum and instructional activities for inculcating research aptitude. Paper presents the activities for two selected courses, advanced algorithm and soft computing. Course outcomes of selected courses address the higher level of Bloom’s taxonomy. Paper elaborates the teaching activities, evaluation mechanism and attainment of outcomes of courses. Higher attainment of course outcomes reflects the improvement in student’s academic performance. Students' feedback reflects the satisfaction for course conduction and PBL activities.