Development of Research-based Learning in Introduction to Biomedical Engineering Course for Undergraduate Electrical Engineering Students

Abstract

Research-based learning (RbL) is introduced in the 2019/2020 academic year to increase the students’ attendance and engagement. Furthermore, the proposed learning approach is used to prepare the students for admitting and successfully completing the graduate study. Around 80%, 12 weeks, of the course allocation, is allocated to implement the RbL. In the mentoring session, the instructor act like a coach that guides the students to conduct the research step-by-step and ensure they use proper research methodology. The study has shown that the students become more active in the learning process and increase the students’ engagement. Other students show that the RbL not only can be used to solve the research problem(s) but also motivate them to think creatively. One of the main roles of the instructor is to guide and ensure the students do their works comply with the proper research methodology. The implementation of RbL not only improving students’ final scores but also gives the students an opportunity to work in the research environment through learning research methodology.