Effectiveness of introducing problem based learning in the undergraduate engineering curriculum
Abstract
Problem solving is the primary intellectual activity of engineers. Therefore, enhancing problem-solving skills is essential for preparing engineering students for practice in the profession. A powerful approach for enhancing problem-solving skills is the problem-based learning (PBL) method. This paper presents the design and construction of a PBL-based course in materials science at the junior level in a mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE) department. We assess the ability of a PBL course based on longer complex problems to enable students to learn both fundamental knowledge of the subject matter and also problem solving skills and contrast it with outcomes in a traditional lecture based course. The issues and challenges faced in assessing and implementing PBL are discussed. Copyright © 2012 by ASME.
Publication Title
ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Recommended Citation
Khanna, S., Winholtz, R., Jonassen, D., Tawfik, A., & Henry, H. (2012). Effectiveness of introducing problem based learning in the undergraduate engineering curriculum. ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE), 5, 449-457. https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2012-89559
