Realizing a Null-Type Instrument to Determine the Quality of a Lamp Using Problem-Based Learning

Nowadays, problem-based learning (PBL) is widely implemented in many high schools and colleges. PBL is a learning method that uses a problem to stimulate learning of information and concepts introduced by the problem. In this paper, the problem is to make a null-type instrument that can be used to determine the quality of a lamp. Three students worked with a small group with a tutor who facilitates discussion and learning. The steps that have been done by the students are as follows: 1. Encountering the problem, 2. Collecting information and learning the theory about the problem, 3. Forming and testing hypotheses about the underlying mechanisms of the problem, 4. Identifying further learning needs for making progress with the problem, 5. Carrying out self-study between group meetings to fulfill the identified the learning needs, 6. Returning to the group to integrate the newly gained knowledge and applying it to the problem, 7. Repeating steps 3 to 6 as necessary, and 8. Reflecting on the process and on the content that has been learnt. After the students have performed all the steps, they also have a null-type instrument that is able to determine the quality of an energy-saving lamp. The instrument is then called as the quality-of-lamp meter.