Learning through Problems? – An Overview
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centred teaching and learning methodology in which the problem comes first whereby the new knowledge is constructed on the foundation of prior knowledge. PBL lies in social constructivist learning framework as the learning environment is designed and executed to be inductive and cooperative.
Unlike the conventional chalk-and-talk teaching approach, PBL enables the students to become producers, rather than consumers, of knowledge. Unstructured case studies that emulate real life problems or realistic ones develop students’ cognitive and metacognitive skills, and also empower them to be self-directed and lifelong learners. As far as the content knowledge is concerned, PBL equips the students with the essential technical skills required for them while entering the actual workplace. Particular emphases are placed on critical thinking, problem solving and teamworking skills.
In short, PBL is a growing opportunity for the students that prepares them to suit, fit and survive in the truly challenging working environment. In engineering education context, PBL simulates the relevant roles of engineers from the actual scenario of engineering/industrial workplace in the classroom setting.
PBL Implementation at FChE
Our faculty has been established in implementing PBL since 2003. The Department of Chemical Engineering Department, FChE UTM, is currently implementing PBL in two of the undergraduate courses. Those are Introduction to Engineering (1st-year course) and Process Control & Dynamics (3rd-year course).