Is a problem-based approach beneficial for engineering education?

[tamtam402]

"Problem approach" education?

Sorry I don't know the exact name for this kind of education in english. One of the Universities I'd like to attend offers a problem based approach for it's electrical engineering degree (I want to become a EE). Basically, you are given a problem every 2 weeks that you have to "solve". The week starts by a meeting with a professor in groups of 12-15 students to brainstorm about the problem and the things required to solve it. After that, there's a personal study time where you have to read and do some exercises on a given subject. You then have to do some lab work, or work in teams, and "solve" the problem given to you. At the end of the 2 weeks you have an exam (maybe a written math exam if the problem resolved more around maths, maybe some programmation if that's what the 2 weeks problem was about, etc.), and you have to present your solution.

The other universities offer a "traditional" approach, with courses given to you. The problem approach doesn't really have courses per se.

Anyone have input on this? Should I stick to the tried and true "course" formula, or try the "problem solving approach"?

 

[jbunniii]

In mathematics, there is the Moore method, which has gained some traction at a number of universities. It is somewhat similar to what you have described: instead of presenting a traditional lecture, the instructor outlines a list of theorems and problems, and the students are expected to solve them (sometimes individually, sometimes in groups) and present their results in class.

Here is a website in which an instructor discusses his experience teaching Moore method classes over a period of 30 years at several universities:

http://legacyrlmoore.org/reference/mahavier1.html

I don't have any personal experience with the Moore method so cannot comment further.

 

[General_Sax]

I like the sounds of it.