Abstract
This paper identifies and analyzes problems with routinization of
project work in PBL-based degree programmes and points towards
possible solutions. The paper uses a survey of students’ and
supervisor’s perceptions of project work in the context of attempts to
emphasize problem-based aspects of project work in the undergraduate
degree programme in computer science at Aalborg University. Danish
PBL-based higher education institutions espouse the qualities of
problembased projects but actual practice shows a different
picture. The predominant use of project catalogues and the formal
requirements imposed by accreditation inhibit central intentions
behind problem-based project work. The study reported on is limited to
a specific degree programme and to a particular approach to dealing
with the problem of routinization. The findings in this paper point
towards the need for action research into new ways of structuring
problem-based project work in different settings. We identify the need
for a further discussion of the conflict between the espoused ideals
of PBL and the actual practice at PBL-based higher education. In
particular, much greater attention should be devoted to the practice
of semester coordination. This paper gives a critical analysis of the
practice in PBL-based higher education and should be of value to
practitioners and decision makers in these settings.
project work in PBL-based degree programmes and points towards
possible solutions. The paper uses a survey of students’ and
supervisor’s perceptions of project work in the context of attempts to
emphasize problem-based aspects of project work in the undergraduate
degree programme in computer science at Aalborg University. Danish
PBL-based higher education institutions espouse the qualities of
problembased projects but actual practice shows a different
picture. The predominant use of project catalogues and the formal
requirements imposed by accreditation inhibit central intentions
behind problem-based project work. The study reported on is limited to
a specific degree programme and to a particular approach to dealing
with the problem of routinization. The findings in this paper point
towards the need for action research into new ways of structuring
problem-based project work in different settings. We identify the need
for a further discussion of the conflict between the espoused ideals
of PBL and the actual practice at PBL-based higher education. In
particular, much greater attention should be devoted to the practice
of semester coordination. This paper gives a critical analysis of the
practice in PBL-based higher education and should be of value to
practitioners and decision makers in these settings.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 2 |
Number of pages | 21 |
ISSN | 2246-0918 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2017 |
Event | CHER 28th Annual Conference - Lisbon, Portugal Duration: 7 Sept 2015 → 9 Sept 2015 |
Conference
Conference | CHER 28th Annual Conference |
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Country/Territory | Portugal |
City | Lisbon |
Period | 07/09/2015 → 09/09/2015 |