Tailoring Project-Based Learning for a communications engineering course

This paper describes the introduction of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodology within an undergraduate course of Telecommunication Engineering at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). The PBL approach is in line with the convergence towards the common European Higher Education Area (EHEA), in which students will play a prominent and active role in their own learning. The selected course for this experience is related with the Design of Advanced Digital Receivers, a topic where real-life engineers have often to cope with ill structured, ambiguous and complex problems for which more than one correct answer may be possible. The results to be presented herein are based on the instructors' experience gained after two consecutive years of PBL practice on this course, and also on the feedback obtained from students.

[1]  Liz McDowell,et al.  The Impact of Innovative Assessment on Student Learning , 1995 .

[2]  Aliisa Mylonas,et al.  Developing Procedures for Implementing Peer Assessment in Large Classes Using an Action Research Process , 2002 .

[3]  J. Perrenet,et al.  The Suitability of Problem-based Learning for Engineering Education: Theory and practice , 2000 .

[4]  C. Bonwell,et al.  Active learning : creating excitement in the classroom , 1991 .

[5]  Venkataraman Ramesh,et al.  Design, development, and assessment of mobile applications: the case for problem-based learning , 2006, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[6]  K.C. Bower,et al.  Small group, self-directed problem based learning development in a traditional engineering program , 2004, 34th Annual Frontiers in Education, 2004. FIE 2004..

[7]  Donald A. Schön.  Educating the Reflective Practitioner: Toward a New Design for Teaching and Learning in the Professions , 1987 .

[8]  H. Schmidt.  Problem‐based learning: rationale and description , 1983, Medical education.

[9]  Donald R. Woods.  Problem-based learning : how to gain the most from PBL , 1994 .

[10]  N. Haring,et al.  The Fourth R : research in the classroom , 1978 .

[11]  F. Dochy,et al.  Peer assessment in problem based learning , 2001 .

[12]  Tim O. Peterson.  So You’re Thinking of Trying Problem Based Learning?: Three Critical Success Factors for Implementation , 2004 .

[13]  M. Groves,et al.  Peer Assessment in Problem-Based Learning: A Qualitative Study , 2007, Advances in health sciences education : theory and practice.

[14]  Jocelyn Armarego,et al.  Beyond PBL: Preparing Graduates for Professional Practice , 2007, 20th Conference on Software Engineering Education & Training (CSEET'07).