2. Introduction
Having an insight into the current education system, one finds that there are various new and
advanced methods of teaching that have evolved in the past few years. This has made learning an
easy process for the students. One of those methods is problem based learning approach, which
is considered as an important approach to be undertaken in a vast field like engineering.
Adopting a method like problem based learning can be taken as the first step towards improving
the education imparted in engineering. Already the engineering course is counted amongst the
toughest courses in the arena of education, upon that introducing a difficult learning approach
can lead to students ending up in failure.
Keeping in view the rigorous competition and the desire to excel in academic field, simple
techniques like problem based learning, have been devised. In this approach, the students tend to
learn through solving a given situation or problem related to their subject. This allows them to
experience learning in a manner, which comprises of both theoretical knowledge as well as its
practical application of the knowledge thus acquired. Another advantage of this approach is that
it makes the students more active and at the same time, keen about learning.
In the field of engineering education, it is very important for the learners to have all the concepts
clear in their minds. Therefore, skills like problem solving, directed learning and self-motivation
are needed to be developed in them. Moreover, the tutor is expected to instigate the students to
keep learning new and unique concepts related to their subject matter.
In this section, we will have a critical analysis of the benefits of problem based learning and how
is it better than tradition method of learning so far. In addition, the concept of problem based
learning and its application in engineering course shall be demonstrated.
Merits of Problem Based Learning
Since this method of learning is purely student-centered, thus, it focuses on the fact that students
continue to develop learning skills amongst themselves so that their abilities and talents are
polished from time to time. No wonder, the students who are taught, based on this approach, will
always be seen with cent percent attendance. The reason behind their increasing attendance is the
fact that they enjoy learning, making it a priority. This benefits the students, tutors and the
Institution as well.
3. As can be seen in the above figure, with the help of problem-based learning, students can
acquire various new skills like critical questioning, practical application of the topics learned and
ability to integrate experience and knowledge. Other than that, they get motivated for long-term
learning followed by excellent communication skills. All these skills are largely beneficial to
them as they are able to adopt reflective learning based on them. Following bullets will explain
the benefits of problem based learning, more clearly:
It links the two activities i.e. acquiring knowledge and its practical application
It encourages effective learning
It makes the students more inquisitive about their subject
It develops ‘people skills’ and ‘team spirit’ among students
It cultivates the ability to deal with the actual problems, if they come in the way of the
students
It promotes life-long learning and a self-directed and independent lifestyle.
Problem Based Learning is such a method through which the students not only manage to
inculcate different skill sets in them but also takes them to a professional level. Through PBL
engineering education, students gain knowledge about different topics and concepts related to
engineering. Also, they learn how to apply those concepts in practical life.
As an illustration, while in college, I was asked to do a project where I had to apply all the
concepts of mechanical drawing. Thankfully, due to the problem-based learning approach, I
4. could complete my project effectively and within the stipulated time. This was possible because I
applied what I learnt and practiced during the lab sessions.
PBL in EngineeringCurriculum
The 1990s study is evidence that the engineering students were less active towards the issues
concerning modern society, Mills (2003). Then was felt the need to include PBL in engineering
curriculum and impart engineering education based on problem-based learning so that the
graduates can also get familiar to the skills possessed by their employers. Engineering taught via
problem-based learning is better as compared to other approaches of learning.
In the next segment, problem-based learning method will be compared to another method of
learning i.e. traditional approach.
Problem Based Learning versus Traditional Learning
The above figure demonstrates that how is problem-based learning different from traditional
method of learning. Where, in case of traditional learning, first the learners are provided the
knowledge and then told to apply it, the case of problem-based learning is opposite. Here, the
students are assigned the problem first and then asked to identify what concepts are to be applied
and then they apply them to solve the given problem.
Thus, it is very clear from the above figure that there is a noticeable difference between the two
approaches of teaching. In fact, both of them are contradictory to each other. The steps followed
in traditional method are a reverse of the ones followed in problem-based learning. Actually,
problem based learning begins where traditional learning ends. Moreover, the students become
more confident in problem-based learning as compared to traditional learning.
Conclusion
All in all, both the approaches of learning i.e. problem-based learning and traditional method are
important in their own places but when it comes to comparing the two, we find that problem-
5. based learning is widely preferred than traditional teaching. In this approach, the learners
develop critical thinking skills and more capable of facing challenges in today’s competitive
world. If we look at it from the viewpoint of an engineering graduate, we find that, he or she
requires more than just the theoretical knowledge of the subject. The reason behind this is the
fact that engineering is such a course where conceptual knowledge and practical application of
concepts, go hand in hand.
Nevertheless, if both the, problem-based learning approach as well as traditional learning
approaches are taught together to the students, it would make learning easier in the field of not
only engineering but also other ones in the educational curricula. The education system should
mainly concentrate on imparting quality education to the students and keep introducing new
ways and means to make learning a great experience for both the Instructor and the learner.
Whenever a new technique or method is introduced, it affects all the three i.e. the Institution, the
Instructor and the Learner. Therefore, it should be presented keeping in mind, its impact on all
three of them.
In short, problem-based learning is a wise concept to go for as it opens new opportunities for
both, learner and the tutor.
References
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Practice in Higher Education. Routledge
Boud, D. Feletti, G. (2013). The Challenge of problem-based learning. Routledge
Unesco. (2010). Engineering: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development. UNESCO
Uden, L. Beaumont, C. (2006). Technology and problem-based learning. Idea Group Inc.
Azer, S.(2008). Navigating problem-based learning. Elsevier
Li, H. (2013). Educational Change towards Problem Based Learning: An Organizational
Perspective. River Publishers
Walker, A. Leary, H. Ertmer, P. (2015). Essential Readings in Problem-based Learning. Purdue
University Press
Heywood, J. (2005). Engineering Education: Research and Development in Curriculum and
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