Problem-Based Learning and Authentic Assessment as an Implementation of Outcomes-Based Education in the Computer Engineering Program of Ateneo de Davao University

Author(s):  
Eufemia Faller ◽  
Edicio Faller

The 21st century education challenges educators to expose students to a wide variety of circumstances and problem situations where they are required to apply the skills they have learned. In engineering education, these are mostly limited to simulated scenarios which are devoid of real and actual interactions with the problems in the community. This article aims to describe how problem-based learning pedagogy and authentic assessment are used in the Computer Engineering program of Ateneo de Davao University as an implementation of the outcomes-based education. This is a descriptive & qualitative research that utilizes focus group discussions as a methodology for achieving its objective. This study uses the frame of experiential learning that is problem-driven, community-based, multi-disciplinary, integrative & collaborative. The computer engineering program uses a multi-disciplinary and integrative approach to problem-based learning through the service-learning program of the institution. This provides the students with an opportunity to interact with a community, identify its problems, analyze and create a concrete solution applying their acquired skills. Since the students are engaged with the community's actual and real problems, they will be assessed using authentic assessment mechanisms. Experiential learning, problem-based pedagogy with authentic assessment open doors of opportunities for a more meaningful and relevant computer engineering program.

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 5-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lata A. Krishnan ◽  
Christi Masters ◽  
Jennifer M. Simpson

Service learning (SL) is a form of experiential learning in which students are involved in community service activities that are related to academic course objectives. A key aspect that separates SL from other forms of experiential learning is the mutually beneficial nature of the service activities. Much of the SL and international SL (ISL) literature has focused on positive learning outcomes for students, with much less focus on the benefits of SL to the community. Speech, Language, and Hearing Services (SLHS) in Zambia is an intensive SL short-term study abroad program. This paper describes the benefits to the community via the SLHS in Zambia program.


Author(s):  
Jed Metzger

The demands on successfully teaching intervention skills in macro (community) environments are numerous and extend beyond the confines of any one academic discipline. In particular, when considering community, the compounding of the multiple factors of social economics, diversity, social policy, history and political agendas requires an integrative approach. This mixed-methods retrospective article analyses the use of service-learning in an advanced Master of Social Work community practice course. Special attention is given to the construction of academic and community experience that facilitates learning integration and understanding of the ways in which factors compound on community wellbeing. Specifically this project involved students in efforts constructed to address violence directed by and against inner-city youth in a mid-sized northeastern city in the United States that is beset with gang violence and has led its state in per capita murders for four of the past five years. Recommendations and lessons learned presented in this article are directed at exploring a construction of service-learning that could address integrative learning in community intervention courses. Keywords: Service-learning, teaching, macro practice, violence


2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Andrew R. Richards ◽  
Andrew D. Eberline ◽  
Sookhenlall Padaruth ◽  
Thomas J. Templin

Service-learning has become a popular pedagogical tool to promote academic and civic learning. One form of service-learning provides physical activity for underrepresented community groups, including children with disabilities. Using experiential learning theory, the purpose of this descriptive case study was to evaluate college students’ experiences in a physical activity-based service learning program for children with disabilities. Through convenience sampling, 97 program participants (82 female, 15 male), most of whom were White (N = 85), were recruited for participation. Data included a pre- and postsurvey of civic learning, participant interviews, reflective journaling, and program observations. Qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparison and inductive analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using Mixed ANOVAs. Results revealed that the program resulted in enhanced civic and academic learning. Themes included making a difference, academic and career connections, emotional and personal growth, and program reflection. Implications of the study and future directions for research are discussed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-83
Author(s):  
David Moises Barreto dos Santos ◽  
Carlos Alberto dos Santos da Silva

This research aimed to evaluate students’ overall perceptions of Problem-based Learning use in a Computer Engineering program in Brazil. PBL is applied to nine interdisciplinary core courses of its curriculum. A 32-item questionnaire was administered to 115 students, with an average age of 20.9 (SD 2.7) between late 2014 and the beginning of 2015. It includes items on PBL general aspects, improved skills, PBL room and overall satisfaction. The results show that students’ degree of agreement with several items ranged from 4.1 to 5.9, in a seven-point scale. Some of these items revealed that 68.7% of the students got familiarized with PBL along the first year and there is a growing tendency among students to improve this familiarity with PBL over time. Moreover, the two items with lowest degree of disagreement were tutors’ feedback at the end of each tutorial session (35.7%) and the deadline to elaborate these solutions of problems (29.6%). Almost all students also agree with that PBL helps them to improve several skills, mainly problem-solving, self-directed learning and critical thinking. Repeating students in PBL courses scored higher than the non-repeating students. Many of them were statistically significant differences, inclusive for items on familiarization process. This can mean that their failures are not related to the familiarity with the method likely. Finally, most of the students are satisfied with PBL and like it, what indicates a successful use of it in the mentioned program. Key words: problem-based learning, evaluation, students’ perception, computer engineering.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-16
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Perrin ◽  

This study describes three collegiate programs that have a high interest in creating engaging learning environments outside of the classroom. The three settings in this study are a three-year degree granting college focusing on internship-based learning, a nationally recognized service-learning program at a private university, and a small private college emphasizing work and service. Research was guided by two exploratory questions: (1) How can students, faculty, administrators, and community partners’ work together to create engaging learning experiences? (2) How can students feel empowered through experiential learning programs? Three themes emerged as important aspects of experiential programs that foster engagement and empowerment: learner autonomy, accountability, and peer support. These features are discussed and presented as important components to experiential learning programs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 290-303
Author(s):  
P. Charlie Buckley ◽  
Kimberly A. Murza ◽  
Tami Cassel

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of special education practitioners (i.e., speech-language pathologists, special educators, para-educators, and other related service providers) on their role as communication partners after participation in the Social Communication and Engagement Triad (Buckley et al., 2015 ) yearlong professional learning program. Method A qualitative approach using interviews and purposeful sampling was used. A total of 22 participants who completed participation in either Year 1 or Year 2 of the program were interviewed. Participants were speech-language pathologists, special educators, para-educators, and other related service providers. Using a grounded theory approach (Glaser & Strauss, 1967 ) to data analysis, open, axial, and selective coding procedures were followed. Results Three themes emerged from the data analysis and included engagement as the goal, role as a communication partner, and importance of collaboration. Conclusions Findings supported the notion that educators see the value of an integrative approach to service delivery, supporting students' social communication and engagement across the school day but also recognizing the challenges they face in making this a reality.


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