Challenges and benefits in implementing problem-based learning in an elective MSc course: Application of Geosynthetics in Civil Engineering
Challenges and benefits in implementing problem-based learning in an elective MSc course: Application of Geosynthetics in Civil Engineering
An elective module on geosynthetics was designed and made available to Civil Engineering students (within a 5 years’ integrated masters). This paper describes the problem-based learning (PBL) model implemented. Two different types of problems were used: summative, marked for assessment purposes; and formative, in-class problems used to drive the learning on topics not directly covered on the summative problems, thus creating PBL environments for all the course. A questionnaire was used to assess the impact on the students of the PBL model implemented. The students’ perceptions of the model are summarised. The advantages and disadvantages of implementing a PBL model, from the teachers’ perspective, are described and some suggestions for teachers willing to use PBL models are included, to contribute to successful experiences for both students and teachers. Although using PBL will increase the workload of the teacher, if successfully implemented, the students’ enthusiasm is quite rewarding. For a successful PBL course close to graduation, previous experiences of PBL or other inductive teaching models are ideal, for both students and teachers. One of the key messages to teachers is to start small and develop the PBL model gradually, making sure that students appreciate the teachers’ effort and understand how the students will benefit from those models, both short- and long-term.
Pinho-Lopes, Margarida
b7e5f7d6-90d8-48cc-b991-0495445fcea4
27 June 2018
Pinho-Lopes, Margarida
b7e5f7d6-90d8-48cc-b991-0495445fcea4
Pinho-Lopes, Margarida
(2018)
Challenges and benefits in implementing problem-based learning in an elective MSc course: Application of Geosynthetics in Civil Engineering.
3rd International Conference of the Portuguese Society for Engineering Education, CISPEE 2018: Changing Higher Education One Teacher at a Time, Creative Science Park – Aveiro Region. University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
27 - 29 Jun 2018.
9 pp
.
(doi:10.1109/CISPEE.2018.8593491).
Record type:
Conference or Workshop Item
(Paper)
Abstract
An elective module on geosynthetics was designed and made available to Civil Engineering students (within a 5 years’ integrated masters). This paper describes the problem-based learning (PBL) model implemented. Two different types of problems were used: summative, marked for assessment purposes; and formative, in-class problems used to drive the learning on topics not directly covered on the summative problems, thus creating PBL environments for all the course. A questionnaire was used to assess the impact on the students of the PBL model implemented. The students’ perceptions of the model are summarised. The advantages and disadvantages of implementing a PBL model, from the teachers’ perspective, are described and some suggestions for teachers willing to use PBL models are included, to contribute to successful experiences for both students and teachers. Although using PBL will increase the workload of the teacher, if successfully implemented, the students’ enthusiasm is quite rewarding. For a successful PBL course close to graduation, previous experiences of PBL or other inductive teaching models are ideal, for both students and teachers. One of the key messages to teachers is to start small and develop the PBL model gradually, making sure that students appreciate the teachers’ effort and understand how the students will benefit from those models, both short- and long-term.
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Submitted date: 11 May 2018
Published date: 27 June 2018
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3rd International Conference of the Portuguese Society for Engineering Education, CISPEE 2018: Changing Higher Education One Teacher at a Time, Creative Science Park – Aveiro Region. University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal, 2018-06-27 - 2018-06-29
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Local EPrints ID: 422179
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/422179
PURE UUID: efc067d4-6529-4945-9b27-5398937b5257
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Date deposited: 18 Jul 2018 16:30
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 04:14
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