The application of problem-based learning in engineering education at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University

Abstract

The value of traditional lecturing has been decreasing and other teaching approaches have increased in importance. The main purpose of such teaching approaches is to deepen the understanding of fundamental principles. Hence, the application of modem teaching approaches is to be seen as a topical issue. In the paper, the authors present students' evaluations of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach adopted in engineering studies offered at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) in Vilnius, Lithuania. Problem-Based Learning is to be seen as a student-centred method that seeks to help students gain particular experience through a series of problems to be solved. Therefore, this method has been adopted in various disciplines and has enjoyed increasing popularity. Questionnaires were developed that contained questions related to the advantages and disadvantages of such a teaching method. The research confirms the high satisfaction of students, which is related to their acquisition of knowledge, teamwork and communication skills. The processing of the received responses permitted the authors to achieve their ultimate aim, ie to compare traditional lecturing and Problem-Based Learning.