Students ' Perceptions on the Suitability of Implementing an Online Problem-Based Learning in a Physics Course

This paper reports on the suitability of implementing an instructional design method known as problembased learning (PBL) online in a physics course based on students’ perceptions. There were 50 students involved in this study which consists of 30 students from the School of Science and Technology (science student) and 20 students from the School of Education and Social Development (pre-service science teachers), University Malaysia Sabah. Ten collaborative groups were formed (4-5 students in each group). The students then followed all the PBL learning activities. Online learning environment (i.e., Learning Management System, LMS) was used as the main medium to carry the full learning process throughout the second semester of 2008/2009 academic year. Data were gathered from an open-ended questionnaire and a semi-structured focus group interviews after completed with the learning activities by the end of the semester. Generally, students said that: it is easy to understand modern physics theory; learning becomes more interesting, enjoyable and fun and also; they need more different method of learning which can make them understand better. Science students stressed that PBL online exposed them to the preparation for responsibility in the workforce, while majority of the pre-service teachers concurred that the instructional designed trained them to be more students-centered. Sulaiman, F. (2011). Students' Perceptions on the Suitability of Implementing an Online Problem-Based Learning in a Physics Course. Malaysian Journal of Educational Technology, 11(1), pp. 5-13.