A Problem-Based Learning Technique to Improve Student Engagement in Multidisciplinary Groups in Higher Education

Michael Opoku Agyeman, Mary Haiping Cui, Shirley Bennett

Research output: Contribution to Book/ReportChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Recently, there has been a rise in the integration of curriculum from different disciplines in Higher Education (HE) in response to the multidisciplinary nature of the skillset required by modern job market. In cases where the curriculum is delivered to students from the same discipline, it is intuitive for students to easily identify with its relevance. However, the aforementioned will not be as obvious in situations where a curriculum is taken by multidisciplinary groups of students. Consequently, there is a risk of student disengagement. This chapter evaluates how to enhance student engagement in modules thought to multidisciplinary groups in HE. The chapter presents an action research which uses mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative research to improve student engagement in a real-world module taken by Computing, Electrical & Electronics Eng., and Mechatronics Eng. students at University of Northampton. By using a problem-based learning strategy as an intervention, student engagement has been significantly improved with evidences in grade distribution and satisfaction.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Research on Enhancing Innovation in Higher Education Institutions
EditorsVerica Babić, Zlatko Nedelko
PublisherIGI Global
Chapter23
ISBN (Electronic)9781799827092
ISBN (Print)9781799827092, 9781799827085, 1799827089
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2020

Keywords

  • Computing Education
  • Student Engagement
  • Problem-Based Learning
  • Learning in Groups
  • Multidisciplinary Groups
  • Engineering Education

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