Project-Based Learning for Building Work and Life Skills in Line with Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities

Abstract

This research examined student experiences and learning outcomes in higher education with project-based learning (PBL) in order to help the students to acquire work and life skills with a case study of a successful PBL implementation in Taylor’s University. The problem statement here is there is a gap between the learning outcomes at university and demands in industry. Thus, Taylor’s University is redefining teaching and learning in higher education through implementation of blended learning and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) in order to meet the ever-changing demands of industry, community and globalisation. TGC is an initiative that inculcates essential qualities in graduates for an advantage to acquire work and life skills in order to succeed in the working world. A case study on PBL implementation in line with TGC has been conducted for two semesters for Foundation in Computing students at School of Computing and IT, Taylor’s University. In this study, the researchers discussed theoretical and design principles of PBL implementation and how information technologies and blended learning could potentially support to meet these principles. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used as research methodologies, which included a learning satisfaction survey, interviews and classroom observations. The research findings provided insight into how faculty conceptualisation of PBL drove implementation and showed that PBL in higher education could contribute to effectiveness in students’ learning of work and life skills.