An Implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Postgraduate Engineering Education According to the Students

Abstract

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is an instructional method that – contrary to conventional models that place application problems after the introduction of a concept or content – uses a problem to motivate, focus and initiate learning. Besides promoting the construction of knowledge, this methodology aims at the development of skills and attitudes deemed as important for effective professional practice. This research, of a qualitative nature, analyses a PBL implementation developed in a course of the postgraduate engineering curriculum at a public university in Brazil. The data were collected through participant observation, non-structured interviews and an end-of-semester questionnaire, when the students were asked to evaluate the methodology, its advantages and disadvantages and its attainment to the course educational goals, i.e., knowledge, skills and attitudes. Despite increasing their study time and workload, most of the students favored the methodology for providing more motivating and active classes, and for assisting in the development of interpersonal, research and problem-solving skills as well as attitudes such as respect for other points of view, adaptability, self-directed learning, collaboration etc.