Innovation in Education via Problem Based Learning from Complexity to Simplicity

Abstract

We are living in era characterized by the rapid development of Technology and the fourth industrial revolution that will alter the way we live and learn. Computer Teaching Labs based on Virtualization and Augmented reality are becoming more important in education because they provide cost effective learning and experimenting environment for students and faculty that facilitates real work scenario experience necessarily needed for PBL. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is conquering academia and increasingly attracting universities around the globe. PBL is one of the novel developments in University education that enhances millennial students' academic content learning and cognitive and communication skills. Since it was introduced it presented a significant change in educational approach that required considerable effort and commitment by lecturers and students, but offered major benefits in return to the students, universities and industry. While some universities are weighing on PBL other put it more succinctly, implementing PBL in their engineering courses. Considering its demand and benefits to the 21st century UNESCO established a Chair in Problem Based Learning, the overall objective of this UNESCO Chair is to create a global society for researchers and academic staff working with PBL in PBL projects; that require real practice and real issues; are mainly sourced from industry and reflect positively on the students as it will give them opportunity to interact and team work in lookalike job environment and scenarios. This research objective is to investigate its significance and demand. It examines the PBL effects on performance of engineering graduates as perceived by employers while providing an overview and high-level background on introduction of PBL for Engineering Students in particular and how it benefits the students in gaining work environment experiences while still studying in the university.