A Problem-Based Learning Technique to Improve Student Engagement in Multidisciplinary Groups in Higher Education

Author(s):  
Michael Opoku Agyeman ◽  
Haiping Cui ◽  
Shirley Bennett

Recently, there has been a rise in the integration of curriculum from different disciplines in higher education (HE) in response to the multidisciplinary nature of the skillset required by the modern job market. In cases where the curriculum is delivered to students from the same discipline, it is intuitive for students to easily identify with its relevance. However, the aforementioned will not be as obvious in situations where a curriculum is taken by multidisciplinary groups of students. Consequently, there is a risk of student disengagement. This chapter evaluates how to enhance student engagement in modules thought to multidisciplinary groups in HE. The chapter presents an action research which uses mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative research to improve student engagement in a real-world module taken by Computing, Electrical & Electronics Eng., and Mechatronics Eng. students at University of Northampton. By using a problem-based learning strategy as an intervention, student engagement has been significantly improved with evidences in grade distribution and satisfaction.

2022 ◽  
pp. 223-242
Author(s):  
Kelly M. Torres

This chapter provides readers an overview of the potential advantages and disadvantages of technology integration in higher education. As technological innovations continue to advance, faculty are provided ample opportunities to enrich their curriculum to further enhance student engagement and learning. Further, the inclusion of technology promotes student retention and provides them access to real-world content. Innovations in technology have resulted in a plethora of tools that can be incorporated into today's classrooms. However, faculty are often hesitant to integrate technological tools given security, accessibility, and access considerations. Further, faculty may perceive technology as disruptive to their classrooms resulting in distracted learners who experience lower academic gains.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilde Martínez Casanovas ◽  
Noemí Ruíz-Munzón ◽  
Marian Buil-Fabregá

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse which are the active learning methodologies, which had better contribute to acquiring competences for sustainable development (SD) in higher education. Design/methodology/approach Cluster analysis is used to define 252 students’ skills patterns and their perception of the different active learning methodologies conducted in class to promote SD. Findings The results show how different learning methodologies enhance SD, the quality assessment perception of students regarding the methodologies used in class and present real-world experiences, problem-based learning and case studies as the active learning methodologies that had better promote SD. Research limitations/implications The limitations of the study are that the results obtained are particular for one university and are not generalizable to other institutions and could vary depending on the degree and year of study of the group of student participants. Practical implications The research proposes to introduce active learning methodologies in general and real-world experiences, problem-based learning and case studies in particular, in education for sustainable development. Social implications These research findings could be used for those interested in applying active learning methodologies to foster the acquisition of SD competences to promote the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goals. Originality/value This research study aims to shed light on the nascent stage of the relationship between pedagogical approaches used in higher education to develop sustainability competences.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Anwar Sewang ◽  
Abdul Halik

Learning in college is very urgent considering aspects of relevance and effectiveness. One strategy that becomes the trend of study is problem-based learning. Problem-based learning strategies are considered urgent and relevant to be applied in higher education, as an effort to trigger scientific exploration to foster critical and creative thinking skills. Problem based learning strategies should be based on research in order to have a systemic scientific structure, a strong, functional and implementative foundation in learning. The relevance and effectiveness of the implementation of problem-based learning strategies is designed with a management approach. Management breaks down the stages of problem-based learning strategies, including planning, implementation, and evaluation (assessment). Problem-based learning strategy planning includes the preparation of Semester Learning Plans (Rencana Pembelajaran Semester or RPS) that refer to the curriculum of study programs, establish learning outcomes, design teaching materials, analyze students, choose media, compile learning evaluation systems, and predict possible problems. All of them are designed with problem-based adapted from the results of the research. Implementation of problem-based learning begins with initial activities including attendance, apperception, orientation, and motivation, core activities include exploration, elaboration, and confirmation, and final activities including conclusions and assessments (evaluations). Evaluation of learning includes program assessment, implementation assessment, and assessment of goals achievement. Principles of learning assessment include educative, objective, accountability, and transparent. Measuring the achievement of problem-based learning is seen in indicators of critical and creative thinking abilities, including problem response, understanding problems, knowing cause of problems, able to find alternative solutions, recognize the impact of the problem, and be able to connect with other science disciplines. The strategy of problem-based learning in higher education has implications for students' interest and motivation in developing critical and creative thinking skills.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ivan Veriansyah

<span lang="EN-AU">This research aims to know the objective information about (1) the application of problem-based learning strategy about earth and solar system material of tenth grade students of SMA 10 Singkawang (2) students’ achievement about earth and solar system material of tenth grade students of SMA 10 Singkawang (3) the correlation between problem based learning strategy about earth and solar system material with the students’ achievement of tenth grade students of SMA 10 Singkawang.</span><span lang="EN-AU">This research is quantitative research and uses correlation study method. The populations in this research are all the social tenth grade students which consist of 133 students and the samples are 53 students by using random sampling proportional technique. The technique of collecting the data is indirect observations and indirect communication. The tools of data collection are questionnaire and interview sheet. The data analysis technique in this research is using product moment correlation formula.</span><span lang="EN-AU">The result of the research shows that (1) the application of problem based learning strategy about earth and solar system material of tenth grade students of SMA 10 Singkawang is “very good” with percentage 90,07%; (2) the average score of students’ achievement about earth and solar system material of tenth grade students of SMA 10 Singkawang is 78,58 and categorize as “good”; (3) there is a significant and positive correlation between problem based learning strategy about earth and solar system material with the students’ achievement of tenth grade students of SMA 10 Singkawang and the <em>r </em>is 0,7549 and categorize as “strong”.</span>


Author(s):  
Rebecca Murphy ◽  
Sarah Nixon ◽  
Simon Brooman ◽  
Damian Fearon

Staff and students coming together to enhance learning is a key educational challenge facing the higher education sector. Literature proposes different ways of achieving this through co-creation, partnership, and collaboration. This paper focuses solely on staff perspectives of a staff-student partnership project aimed at improving feedback strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach, staff in four disciplines in one UK university were questioned in regard to collaborating with students, asked to take part in a co-creation experience, and then invited to take part in a follow-up interview. Findings indicated that staff initially supported greater student engagement in curriculum development but were wary of substantial change in the design of curriculum content. Some doubted the experience and abilities of students in this context. The overarching response was a positive statement followed first with a “but” and then with the issues that could be caused by a partnership approach. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Yin-han Chung

Abstract Background The quality of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) personnel is one of the key factors that contributes to the success of CBR programs. Integrating knowledge and practical skills in various stages of the learning process is essential in community-based rehabilitation. Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical strategy that uses real-world situations as the basis for developing knowledge and problem-solving skills. Through PBL, learners are guided and facilitated in assuming active problem-solving roles in real-world situations. This study developed and tested a framework and a PBL protocol for use in teaching community-based rehabilitation (CBR) in higher education. Methods Part I of this study focused on the development of a framework and a protocol for PBL. An initial framework for the development of this protocol was formed based on a review of relevant literature. Concrete guidelines were delineated to describe the application, process, and delivery of teaching and learning. PBL was implemented in three CBR related courses. Students were facilitated to learn CBR in passing various stages of PBL through a self-directed learning process. The cumulative efforts of each group were compiled, recorded, and displayed using e-portfolios. In Part II, the processes and outcomes of using this new learning mode were evaluated using a case study approach to examine the protocol’s efficacy. Focus group interviews, a questionnaire, and a detailed examination of the e-portfolios were administered for evaluation. Results One hundred thirty-three students from three CBR related courses were recruited. PBL was regarded as an effective, realistic and practical method that enables critical thinking in CBR. Practicality was addressed by covering context-related materials with the use of real cases or examples. Participants were actively engaged in the learning process and their CBR competence was enhanced. Conclusions Through the new protocol, the students were equipped with active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that should facilitate success in CBR.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Manggu Ngguna Raji

The purpose of this research is to know the application of  Problems Based Learning Strategy that can improve learning outcomes of Social studies on Class. IV Students at SDI. Onekore 4. This type of research is a classroom action research. The research subjects are Class IV student at SDI Onekore 4 that amount of 19 people. As for this research data is obtained by using test, Observation and documentation. The results of this study indicate an increase of learning outcomes on social subject after applied problem based learning strategies. This matter can seeing at increasing of presentation classical learning outcomes. in condition pracycles 21.05%, cycles I up to be 42.10% and on cycle II goes up to be 100%. The results of this study can be used as an alternative in the selection of learning strategies.


Author(s):  
Valerie A. Storey ◽  
Marilyn A. Schiavo

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach impacting instructional delivery in all tiers of K-20 education. The introduction of PBL in higher education first occurred in the medical school setting. Several decades later PBL is widely utilized as a popular teaching and learning strategy in colleges of education, specifically in graduate programs. Adult Learning Theory (Knowles, 1984), Transformative Learning Theory (Mezirow & Associates, 2000), and Information Processing Theory (Schmidt, 1983; Norman & Schmidt, 1992) all contribute to a theoretical understanding of PBL. This chapter identifies the key ideas, supporting learning theories, and principles of PBL. It then proposes a practical model that instructors can use to improve the quality of teaching and learning in academia.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e025604
Author(s):  
Maayan Salomon-Gimmon ◽  
Hod Orkibi ◽  
Cochavit Elefant

IntroductionTheGarageis a multidisciplinary pre-academic arts school for people with artistic abilities who are coping with mental health conditions (MHC). The programme, supported by the National Insurance Institute and the Ministry of Health in Israel, is an innovative rehabilitation service designed to impart and enhance artistic-professional skills and socioemotional abilities to ultimately facilitate participants’ integration into higher education and the job market.Methods and analysisThis mixed methods longitudinal study will include an embedded design in which the qualitative data are primary and the quantitative data are secondary, thus providing complementary information. The study will examine the contribution of the Garage to changes in participants’ personal recovery, well-being, creative self-concept and community integration as well as possible mechanisms that may account for these changes. Qualitative data will be collected using focus groups with graduates and students (a total of ~60 participants). Quantitative data will be ‎collected by self-report questionnaires only from students attending the programme (before, during and at the end of the academic year). Data on the graduates’ integration into higher education and the job market after completing the programme will also be collected from the management team. The qualitative data will be analysed following the grounded theory approach and the quantitative data will be analysed with correlations, paired tests to examine pre–post changes and regression analyses. A merged data analysis will be conducted for data integration.Ethics and disseminationThe University’s Human Research Ethics Committee approved the design and procedures of the study (approval #357–16). All participants will sign an informed consent form where it is clarified that participation in the study is on a voluntary basis, and anonymity and confidentiality are guaranteed. The results will be submitted for peer-reviewed journal publications, presented at conferences and disseminated to the funder and the programme’s management team.


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