A PPBL Pedagogy for Transforming Engineering Education at ESPRIT School of Engineering
摘要
In an era where information is readily accessible and AI tools can generate solutions effortlessly, the modern student’s challenge lies not in acquiring knowledge, but in applying it effectively within collaborative contexts. This paper presents a hybrid Project and Problem Based Learning (PPBL) approach, designed to enhance the engineering student’s learning journey by fostering teamwork, practical skill application, and industry readiness. Implemented at ESPRIT School of Engineering with software engineering students, this approach leverages Blackboard as the primary Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver resources and assessments, while GitHub serves as a complementary platform for version control, task management, and peer collaboration, mirroring real-world software development workflows. An experimental study was conducted, engaging students in PPBL projects where they applied theoretical knowledge from Blackboard in practical, team-driven scenarios on GitHub. Results indicate notable improvements in student performance, engagement, and motivation compared to traditional methods, with enhanced technical proficiency and collaborative abilities evident in project deliverables and self-reported feedback. These findings highlight how integrating GitHub into PPBL bridges the divide between theoretical understanding and hands-on application, cultivating collective intelligence and preparing students for the demands of a tech-driven industry.