Problem-based learning (PBL) is a team-based teaching and learning approach that uses ‘real life’ problems to help you gain technical knowledge and develop important skills like problem-solving, team-work, communication and locating information.

About Problem Based Learning

What makes Problem Based Learning different from conventional teaching is that it starts with problems related to real world practice. This makes it different from conventional teaching where content is first taught in lectures and then applied by solving problems in tutorials and assignments.

PBL is designed to help you become an independent learner but it does not do this by using a sink-or-swim approach. Instead, it provides you with plenty of support as you develop the skills you need for learning in a PBL team.

Skills taught include:

• communication in all forms
• mathematical and numerical ability
• use of Information Communication Technology
• creativity
• interpersonal and team working skills
• improving own performance and self learning skills
• problem solving
• business skills
• project management skills
• information literacy skills

 

The VU Engineering PBL model (PBL)

From 2010 a new PBL model is being used for all BEng courses at VU. This model is built on the principles of active learning (problem-based and project-based learning), collaborative learning (learning in PBL teams) and integrative learning (applying knowledge from several units of study).

It includes a staged introduction to PBL that commences with short problems in first year and progresses through community-based projects and then to industry-based projects in later years.

The first year of the course is common to all Bachelor of Engineering courses and has a strong emphasis on helping you to make the most of learning in a PBL environment. It also includes built-in student support in learning, language, mathematics and technical skills.

Key features of the VU PBL in Engineering model are:

• Active learning, collaborative learning and integrative learning
• Common first year
• Staged introduction to PBL
• Community-based and industry-based projects

Special features of PBL Engineering model

One of the most important features of our model is that the problem/project is in the centre of the curriculum. The model allows students to work on small problems in year 1, community and/or industry projects in years 2 and 3, and Engineering practice on industry projects in year 4. Our engineering students think and practice beyond engineering in an interdisciplinary approach.

Contact us

Phone +61 3 9919 4703
Fax +61 3 9919 4908
Email: engineeringscience@vu.edu.au