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Session 2186

Using Problem-based Learning to Modify Curriculum to Meet Industry Needs

James C. Wood Tri-County Technical College Pendleton, SC

Abstract The problem-based learning (PBL) process is an effective teaching and learning approach that allows instructors to meet educational and industry-specific objectives. Also, PBL is an effective means of incorporating workplace skills such as teaming, problem solving, and technical communications into technical courses. To modify curriculum to meet a specific industry's needs, a model using the PBL-approach will be presented. In this model, an interdisciplinary development team, consisting of technical and general education instructors familiar with interdisciplinary and problem-based instruction, is formed. Through interviews with plant employees and visits to the plant floor, the team evaluates the scope and sequence of an existing course and identifies potential PBL modules to fit both the educational requirements of the course and workplace activities. Workplace scenarios are written, reviewed with industry personnel, and modified, if necessary, to reflect actual workplace situations. When the material is presented, students are presented a problem that relates to their workplace and emphasizes the skills desired by the employer. Throughout the development process, the instructional integrity of the course is maintained. This paper will show how one college has used the PBL approach to effectively balance the broad educational goals of a curriculum course and the more focused requirements of industry.

Introduction To gain a competitive edge in the world market, manufacturing companies must continue to find new ways of designing and producing high-quality products on time and at minimal cost. A well- trained workforce that contributes to the profitability of the company is vital to maintaining this competitive edge. In the past, companies have relied on engineering professionals to provide wide-ranging expertise; technicians were expected to be competent in a more narrowly focused discipline or workplace skill. In today's new manufacturing environment, the role of the engineering technology technician is expanding to include competencies such as teaming, problem solving, effective communications, planning and prioritizing, time management, and good work ethics. 1 It has been reported that the problem-based learning (PBL) approach will accomplish the goals of preparing graduates for this new workplace. 2, 3

The South Carolina Advanced Technological Education (SC ATE) Center of Excellence has addressed the demand for such a technician by restructuring the entry-level general education courses for engineering technology curricula to incorporate the best models from educational

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright Ó 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Wood, J. (2002, June), Using Problem Based Learning To Modify Curriculum Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--11355