Does Problem-Based Learning Improve Problem Solving Skills?—A Study among Business Undergraduates at Malaysian Premier Technical University

Abstract

Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach has been widely used in various disciplines since it is claimed to improve students' soft skills. However, empirical supports on the effect of PBL on problem solving skills have been lacking and anecdotal in nature. This study aimed to determine the effect of PBL approach on students' problem solving skills using a quasi-experimental non-equivalent group pretest-posttest design. Fifty management students from a premier Technical University in Malaysia were assigned to experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, students were given four problems to be solved and their solutions of the problems given were assessed in terms of their accuracy and quality. Students in the control group received conventional classroom instructional design. Results indicate that students in the experimental group have better problem solving skills (z: -4.220, p: 0.001 for accuracy and z: -2.594, p: 0.009 for quality) compared to those who were not exposed to the PBL approach. This finding substantiates the use of PBL as an effective instructional tool to improve students' problem solving abilities.

The Effects of Integrated Problem-Based Learning, Predict, Observe, Explain on Problem-Solving Skills and Self-Efficacy

“…PBL can accommodate students' engagement in knowledge construction and knowledge application in a real-world context (Arends, 2012). PBL can improve students' problem-solving skills (Balim, Çeliker, Türkoğuz, Evrekli, & Ekici, 2015;Kadir, Abdullah, Anthony, Salleh, & Kamarulzaman, 2016). Özgen and Pesen (2010) used open-ended questions during the completion and evaluation stages of PBL to examine students' ability to solve problems and found an improvement in the students' scores.…”

Students’ Views on the Learning Environment Designed Based on Collaborative Problem Solving Method

“…İş birliğine dayalı problem çözme yönteminin uygulandığı öğrenme ortamının öğrencilere çeşitli becerileri kazandırdığı öğrenciler tarafından ifade edilmiştir. Alanyazında yapılan çalışmalar da probleme dayalı öğrenme ortamının katılımcıların eleştirel düşünme, öz düzenleyici öğrenme, problem çözme gibi becerilerini geliştirdiğini göstermektedir (Chávez, Gámiz-Sánchez & Cañas Vargas, 2020;Emlek ve Akturk, 2017;Kadir, Abdullah, Anthony, Salleh & Kamarulzaman, 2016;Moradi ve Taghadosi, 2016;Warnock & Mohammadi-Aragh, 2016). Bu öğrenme ortamında öğrenciler hem mesleki hem de kişisel becerilerini geliştirdiklerini ifade etmişlerdir.…”

The Effect of Problem Based Learning and Tacit Knowledge on Problem-Solving Skills of Students in Computer Network Practice Course

“…Problem-based learning can improve problem-solving skills, including the students' problem-solving skills majoring in management (Kadir et al 2016), vector analysis (Mushlihuddin, Nurafifah, & Irvan, 2018), dental education (Alrahlah, 2016), Virtual Reality Environment (Abdullah, Mohd-Isa, & Samsudin, 2019). Problem-based learning provides better benefits compared to conventional models (Hursen, 2019).…”