Application of Problem-Based Learning to Teaching the Critical Path Method

AbstractThis paper investigates the application of a problem-based learning (PBL) teaching methodology to a course on engineering project scheduling, which introduces the critical path method (CPM). During this course, students solved real-life civil engineering problems using PBL to compare PBL with traditional problem-solving methods. In the experimental design, the students were randomly divided into two groups. Traditional teaching sessions were imparted to the first group, which was designated as the control group, whereas the CPM was taught to the second group via the PBL teaching methodology. After the classroom sessions, an evaluation tool was applied: responses were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Fisher statistics, and a set of open-ended questions were qualitatively analyzed via a pattern-matching technique. The results for the group that utilized PBL were favorable; this finding demonstrated the efficiency of this tool for teaching CPM. In addition, the results for the students that applied PBL me...

[1]  Nancy L. Leech,et al.  A Call for Qualitative Power Analyses , 2007 .

[2]  Duncan M. Fraser,et al.  Enhancing the Learning of Fluid Mechanics Using Computer Simulations , 2007 .

[3]  Angel C. Aparicio,et al.  Tradition and Innovation in Teaching Structural Design in Civil Engineering , 2007 .

[4]  Julie E. Mills,et al.  Engineering Education, Is Problem-Based or Project-Based Learning the Answer , 2003 .

[5]  R. Lyman Ott.,et al.  An introduction to statistical methods and data analysis , 1977 .

[6]  Xxyyzz.  Achieving the Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025 : A Roadmap for the Profession , 2012 .

[7]  M. Spinner.  Project Management: Principles and Practices , 1996 .

[8]  David Boud,et al.  The Challenge of Problem Based Learning , 1991 .

[9]  N. Williams.  ABC of Learning and Teaching in Medicine , 2011 .

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

[11]  Edward J. Wood.  Problem-based learning. , 2004 .

[12]  Eric Forcael,et al.  Rol del ingeniero civil en la sociedad chilena contemporánea , 2013 .

[13]  F. Ramis,et al.  Design and application of learning environments based on integrative problems , 2008 .

[14]  P. Candy.  Developing lifelong learners through undergraduate education , 1994 .

[15]  H. Barrows.  Problem‐based learning in medicine and beyond: A brief overview , 1996 .

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

[17]  H. Rittel,et al.  Dilemmas in a general theory of planning , 1973 .

[18]  N. Postman,et al.  Teaching As a Subversive Activity , 1969 .

[19]  S. Iliffe,et al.  Bmc Medical Research Methodology Open Access the Hawthorne Effect: a Randomised, Controlled Trial , 2007 .

[20]  John W. Creswell,et al.  Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches , 2010 .

[21]  Rafael Sacks,et al.  Teaching Building Information Modeling as an Integral Part of Freshman Year Civil Engineering Education , 2010 .

[22]  J. Bouchaud.  An introduction to statistical finance , 2002 .

[23]  C. J. Khisty,et al.  Reflection in Problem Solving and Design , 1992 .

[24]  Carlos Alberto Herrán,et al.  Uso del ABP como estrategia didáctica para lograr aprendizaje significativo del diseño de ingeniería , 2006 .

[25]  L. Navarro,et al.  Aprendizaje activo en el aula universitaria: el caso del aprendizaje basado en problemas , 2006 .

[26]  David H. Jonassen,et al.  Everyday Problem Solving in Engineering: Lessons for Engineering Educators , 2006 .

[27]  Leonard D. Albano,et al.  Problem-Based Learning in Structural Engineering Education , 2008 .

[28]  Tarek Hegazy,et al.  Genetic Optimization for Dynamic Project Control , 2003 .

[29]  Luís Ribeiro,et al.  Student Assessment of a Problem-Based Learning Experiment in Civil Engineering Education , 2005 .

[30]  Symeon E. Christodoulou,et al.  Educating Civil Engineering Professionals of Tomorrow , 2004 .

[31]  R. Tamblyn,et al.  Problem-based learning : an approach to medical education , 1980 .

[32]  M. Albanese,et al.  Problem‐based Learning: A Review of Literature on Its Outcomes and Implementation Issues , 1993, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[33]  E. Bridges.  Problem-based learning for administrators , 1992 .

[34]  C. Jotin Khisty,et al.  Can Wicked Problems Be Tackled through Abductive Inferencing , 2000 .

[35]  Luis F. Alarcón,et al.  Selection of Third Party Relationships in Construction , 2014 .

[36]  H. Schmidt,et al.  The psychological basis of problem‐based learning: a review of the evidence , 1992, Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[37]  J. Y. Richard Liew,et al.  Construction Planning and Scheduling , 2002 .

[38]  Pablo D. Sáez,et al.  Aprendizaje Basado en Resolución de Problemas en Ingeniería Informática , 2008 .

[39]  Eric Forcael,et al.  Incorporation of Computer Simulations into Teaching Linear Scheduling Techniques , 2012 .

[40]  H S Barrows,et al.  A taxonomy of problem‐based learning methods , 1986, Medical education.

[41]  Carl Auerbach,et al.  Qualitative Data: An Introduction to Coding and Analysis , 2003 .