Application of Problem Based Learning in Mechanics of Machines Course

Authors

  • Jacek Uziak University of Botswana
  • Venkata P. Kommula University of Botswana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v9i1.9673

Keywords:

active learning, problem based learning, students’ survey

Abstract


The predominant educational methods in engineering education follow traditional classroom teaching, with some elements of tutorials and lab work. Although, there has been a growing tendency in recent years to introduce elements of active learning, and in particular problem-based (PBL) and project-based learning (PjBL). The paper reports on an attempt to use PBL in a topic on kinematics analysis of planar linkages, in a 3-credit course on Mechanics of Machines, offered in Year 3 of a 5-year BEng Mechanical Engineering programme. The aim of this study was to investigate the students’ response and perception to such a learning environment. A survey was administered to investigate students’ views on the application of problem-based learning in the course. The survey proves that the students responded well to the new approach en-joying activity (72%), trying hard (94%) feeling positive (68%), considering time spent to be beneficial (90%) and believing in instructor having best interest of the students in mind (74%). The response was also positive to interest generation and motivation towards the topic; 82% and 78% positive responses, respectively. The students were convinced about the learning new knowledge aspect of PBL. The majority declared learning more by gathering information themselves (66%) and especially more details on the topic in comparison to the traditional lecture/tutorial approach (72%).

Author Biographies

Jacek Uziak, University of Botswana

Jacek Uziak is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Botswana, P/Bag UB0061, Gaborone, Botswana. He received his MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the AGH University of Technology in Krakow, Po-land and his PhD in Technical Sciences from the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland. For the past 35 years he has been working at universities mainly in Poland and Botswana; his career includes teaching and research assignments also in Canada, Czech Republic, Norway, UK, Netherlands, France, Germany and USA. He specializes in engineering mechanics and teaches courses in this area. He has particular interest in engineering education.

Venkata P. Kommula, University of Botswana

Venkata P. Kommula is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Botswana, P/Bag UB0061, Gaborone, Botswana. He received his Master of Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Anna University, Chennai, India and his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. For the past 19 years he has been working at universities mainly in India, Malaysia and Botswana. He specializes in Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering and teaches courses in this area. He is specifically interested in engineering pedagogy.

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Published

2019-02-22

How to Cite

Uziak, J., & Kommula, V. P. (2019). Application of Problem Based Learning in Mechanics of Machines Course. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 9(1), pp. 68–83. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v9i1.9673

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2019)

Section

Papers

License

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