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1 – 10 of 30Denise Rieg, Maria Laura Maclennan, Fernando Scramim, Melby Huertas and Eryka Augusto
This study aims to mitigate the inherent challenges associated with implementing project-based learning (PjBL) by integrating it with the service engineering methodology (SEEM)…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to mitigate the inherent challenges associated with implementing project-based learning (PjBL) by integrating it with the service engineering methodology (SEEM). The study demonstrates that combining PjBL with a methodological approach provides a step-by-step procedure that facilitates the practical application of PjBL and preserves the development of competencies inherent to PjBL.
Design/methodology/approach
Action research methodology was used to assess the effectiveness of combining PjBL learning strategy with SEEM. Data was collected through observations, questionnaires and focus group discussions to evaluate students’ expectations and perceptions of this combination.
Findings
The results show that PjBL implementation combined with SEEM enabled the organization of class dynamics, helping to mitigate difficulties encountered in the application of PjBL. Students conveyed that the integration of PjBL with SEEM afforded them a guiding structure without compromising their autonomy in decision-making for proposed solutions. It proved efficacious in honing skills pertinent to service design and analysis, teamwork, solution formulation, creativity and innovation stimulation.
Research limitations/implications
This research has been limited to four classes in one university in Brazil. Besides, PjBL was combined with only one methodology (SEEM). Therefore, this needs to be tested in broader settings and contexts.
Practical implications
The article highlights the potential benefits of PjBL in bridging the gap between academia and the professional world while acknowledging the challenges involved in its implementation, combining PjBL with a methodology that provides a sequence of steps to be followed.
Social implications
The social implications of implementing PjBL in higher education in the Brazilian and international contexts are multifaceted. The adoption of PjBL encourages instructors to adapt their learning strategies and align them with the evolving needs of worldwide society. Through PjBL, Brazilian and international higher education institutions may contribute to the development of individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their knowledge effectively in practical situations around the world.
Originality/value
The theoretical contribution lies in suggesting that combining PjBL with a methodology that provides a sequence of steps to be followed (such as that exemplified through SEEM) can address intrinsic issues that consider the complexity of PjBL implementation, preserving the development of competencies inherent to PjBL.
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Sameera Sultan and Syeda Tuba Javaid
The purpose of this paper is to explore how BS first-year students of the computer science department at a private university in Karachi perceive project-based learning (PjBL…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how BS first-year students of the computer science department at a private university in Karachi perceive project-based learning (PjBL) implemented in the English composition course. The more specific objectives were to bring to light the benefits and challenges associated with PjBL from the students’ standpoint. Research works on students’ perceptions of project-based learning particularly in English language teaching remains an underresearched area in Pakistan and this makes this study useful and essential.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting the lens of constructionism, this study used the qualitative approach for investigation. Thus, to achieve an in-depth insight into students’ perceptions, they were provided an opportunity to reflect and freely report their views regarding the project approach. The participants in this study formulate perceptions about a given phenomenon based on a thoughtful analysis of their experiences with that phenomenon. The qualitative researcher aims to get a deep understanding of these views of the participants, and so this study employed accounts and drawings as data collection tools. The data were then content analyzed.
Findings
Upon data analysis, two major themes emerged being the benefits and challenges associated with PjBL. The benefits can be further divided into academic and non-academic benefits. The major academic benefit was that the project approach allowed students to achieve a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the subject matter whereas the non-academic benefits include enhanced communication and negotiation skills, time management, creative and critical thinking skills. The major challenges faced by the students were related to time management and getting along with each other in groups.
Originality/value
The research problem is a scarcely explored area in Pakistani English language teaching in higher education. Moreover, the use of student drawings as a data collection method is an unusual method for this research problem.
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Goutam Kumar Kundu and Syed Khalid Perwez
This paper aims to identify and model the key barriers to implementation of project-based learning (PjBL) in higher educational institution.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify and model the key barriers to implementation of project-based learning (PjBL) in higher educational institution.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique, the study has developed a hierarchical-based model, depicting the mutual relationships amongst the key barriers to implementation of PjBL. Additionally, the paper has performed Matrice d’ Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliqué an Classement (MICMAC) analysis to categorize the barriers in terms of their driving and dependence power.
Findings
The study has identified the key barriers to implementation of PjBL and presented an integrated model using ISM. Higher educational institutions need to pay attention to diagnose and overcome these hindrances for effective implementation of PjBL in their programmes.
Research limitations/implications
The study adopts a systematic way to model the relevant barriers to implementation of PjBL. The ISM-based model would help higher education institutions to prioritize the issues as the barriers are hierarchically structured. As the input to model development is based on the experts’ opinions, it may be biased, influencing the final output of the structural model.
Originality/value
The presentation of PjBL implementation barriers in the form of an ISM-based model is a new effort. The model would be useful to understand the barriers and overcome these for the successful implementation of PjBL in higher educational institutions.
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Chunxia Qi, Mun Yee Lai, Lizhe Liu, Siyu Zuo, Haili Liang and Ruisi Li
This study explored how teachers change, what teachers learn and how they learn during the implementation of project-based learning through lesson study.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored how teachers change, what teachers learn and how they learn during the implementation of project-based learning through lesson study.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, three university researchers, one doctoral student and six mathematics school teachers formed a lesson study team. Using a qualitative research method, this study employed a locally integrating networking strategy to combine the modified Interconnected Model of Teacher Professional Growth (IMTPG) and Bannister's framework to describe the teachers' knowledge change when participating in a lesson study on project-based learning.
Findings
The research revealed that the school teachers' knowledge about authenticity and assessment in the context of project-based learning was changed after the lesson study and how the changes were triggered.
Originality/value
The study demonstrates how the networking of two different theories—modified IMTPG and Bannister's framework—contributes to a better understanding of the process of teachers' collective practice, as well as the knowledge change in PjBL. This networking was done by combining the two theories, which were superimposed at the domain of practice.
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The objective of the paper is to identify and model the relevant enablers related to the issue of adoption and implementation of project-based learning (PjBL) in higher…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of the paper is to identify and model the relevant enablers related to the issue of adoption and implementation of project-based learning (PjBL) in higher educational institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study has developed an integrated model using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and the Fuzzy Matrice d' Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliqué an Classement (FMICMAC) approach, which helps to identify and classify the important enablers and reveal the direct and indirect effects of each enabler on the PjBL implementation in higher educational institutions.
Findings
The paper has identified the key enablers and presented an integrated model using ISM and FMICMAC. The result shows that there exists a group of enablers having a high driving power and low dependence requiring maximum attention and strategic importance, while another group consists of those enablers that have high dependence and are the resultant actions.
Research limitations/implications
The study proposes a scientific way to model the relevant enablers to implementation of PjBL. This would help higher educational institutions to prioritize the enablers as these are hierarchically structured. The model is based on the experts' opinions, which may be biased, influencing the final output of the structural model.
Originality/value
Enablers are building blocks for the adoption of PjBL. The study presents an integrated model using ISM and FMICMAC to identify and categorize various key enablers of PjBL adoption in higher education institutions. The results will help higher educational institutions to focus on the right enablers for the successful implementation of PjBL in their programs.
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Marjolein Schaddelee and Christine McConnell
The purpose of this paper is to better understand what helps and hinders the engagement of students in a project-based learning (PjBL) approach as the sole mode of teaching and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to better understand what helps and hinders the engagement of students in a project-based learning (PjBL) approach as the sole mode of teaching and learning for the entire first year of a Bachelor of Applied Management.
Design/methodology/approach
This study takes an action research approach by investigating the perceptions of students of an interdisciplinary PjBL programme, and then taking action and responding to the students. Students were asked to share their experiences through a series of surveys spanning the first two years of the programme’s introduction.
Findings
Results indicate that there were significant challenges associated with the introduction of a PjBL programme. Students expressed both their positive and negative experiences in relation to working in groups, the way the programme and projects were designed and how the programme was communicated and integrated. The comments and suggestions students made led to a number of recommendations to further improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
The research was conducted at a state-funded tertiary provider located in New Zealand and may not necessarily be applied to other geographical regions or cultures.
Practical implications
The results and recommendations have value for international education in business providers that are interested to introduce or further develop an interdisciplinary PjBL approach.
Social implications
Further understanding of how students may be further engaged has value for a variety of different contexts where engagement and motivation feature as a desired outcome.
Originality/value
This research study contributes to the understanding of how PjBL can be implemented to increase student motivation and engagement, and the insights provided practical suggestions for similar programmes of an interdisciplinary nature.
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Sunyoung Park, Yonjoo Cho, Seung Won Yoon and Heeyoung Han
The purpose of this study is to examine the distinctive features of three team learning approaches (action learning, problem-based learning, and project-based learning), compare…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the distinctive features of three team learning approaches (action learning, problem-based learning, and project-based learning), compare and contrast them, and discuss implications for practice and research.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used Torraco ' s integrative literature review method and activity theory as a framework for analyzing commonalities and differences of the three learning approaches.
Findings
Action learning emphasizes the balance between action and learning, problem-based learning has evolved to develop knowledge acquisition, application, and reasoning skills, and project-based learning connects learning with work. All three learning approaches are learner-centered, tackle real problems, emphasize collaboration, have a learning coach, and work through learning processes.
Research limitations/implications
Comparison of the three approaches has been done through a review of the literature only. More qualitative analyses of actual cases need to be done to confirm or improve the findings. Qualitative knowledge from this study should be linked to quantitative research.
Practical implications
Comparison of each team learning approach provides team managers, instructional designers, and instructors with guidance of pedagogy selection regarding what particular team learning approach fits best for their organizational learning needs. Six components of activity theory can be useful to evaluate team learning interventions.
Originality/value
The findings can be used for clarifying the relationships among the three learning approaches, and can guide HRD practice and research in line with improved team learning design, process, and measurement. The current study is possibly the first attempt to analyze the three team learning approaches based on activity theory.
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Suda Hanklang and Suleegorn Sivasan
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the Thai nursing student competency enhancement program applied through project-based learning (PjBL) in caring for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the Thai nursing student competency enhancement program applied through project-based learning (PjBL) in caring for the elderly in the community.
Design/methodology/approach
This quasi-experimental one-group pre-post-test design was used to compare mean scores on gerontological nursing competency scales comprising four dimensions including holistic health promotion, empirical evidence, empowerment and quality care and ethical and moral competencies. A total of 95 participants were randomly selected from a list of registered attendees. A five-week PjBL approach for a community nursing practicum was designed and comprised of an introduction to the project, components of research methodology, group projects and group presentations. A gerontological nursing competencies questionnaire was used with participants, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Two-way ANOVA and a paired t-test were used to compare pre-post mean scores of competencies.
Findings
A total of 95 students participated in the PjBL and the majority of participants were female (92.6%). The results revealed post–PjBL mean scores of gerontological nursing competencies were higher than the premean score (p value < 0.05) except the empirical evidence competencies which showed no statistical difference.
Originality/value
Since the results show the effectiveness of the student nursing competency enhancement program through PjBL when caring for the elderly in the community, it is important for health care instructors to apply PjBL, especially in community nursing. Improving empirical competency evidence among nursing students is still required and necessary.
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Project management skills are important for today’s engineers, as they get involved in various project-based employment roles. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a learning…
Abstract
Purpose
Project management skills are important for today’s engineers, as they get involved in various project-based employment roles. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a learning model to provide project management knowledge through scaffolding and project-based learning (PjBL) methods in the project engineering course.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper discusses a generic learning model that includes how scaffolding and project-based methods are integrated to provide project management skills to the students. The paper uses the survey method to collect and analyze data on the applicability of the model.
Findings
Statistical analysis of the collected data shows that the respondents positively perceive the value of the learning model to gain project management knowledge and skills. The response shows that the model is useful not only to the current students but also the graduates who use project management skills in their employment.
Practical implications
The learning model can be used by the instructors to provide project management skills to undergraduate and graduate students from all education disciplines.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on the development of a unique learning model, and artifacts used by the students and the instructors for interactive learning and gaining skills on project management.
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There is a growing demand in industry for engineering graduates who can think “sustainably.” However, there are many barriers to developing assessment that fosters sustainability…
Abstract
There is a growing demand in industry for engineering graduates who can think “sustainably.” However, there are many barriers to developing assessment that fosters sustainability learning in engineering classrooms. There is no consensus on the definition of sustainability and its key competencies and teaching resources are limited.
Staff are unclear about what to teach, how to teach, and how to assess learning. Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning and should be planned from the earliest stages, but this is rarely done. Engineering relies heavily on traditional assessments such as tests and examinations, but these are known to encourage surface learning. Sustainability is complex, multidisciplinary, and needs context, which requires higher-order thinking characteristic of deep learning.
Current assessment types for sustainability include examinations, case study, concept maps, and project-based learning. However, more research is needed to develop best practice assessments. Recommendations for teaching approach are to use a rigorous approach to instructional design, use a systems approach, and use a teaching model that promotes deep learning, incorporates context, and promotes alignment of learning objectives and assessment. Community-oriented assessments are recommended that feature the interdisciplinarity and complexity of sustainability and promote higher-order thinking.
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