Abstract:

The creation of the European Higher Education Area has contributed to an increase in the use of pedagogical methodologies, thus enhancing university teaching (Amo et al., 2014). Several educational tools and methodologies focus on promoting active learning processes. One of these methodologies is Problem Based Learning (PBL). It can be defined as an instructional learner-centered approach that empowers learners to conduct research, integrate theory and practice, and apply knowledge and skills to develop a viable solution to a defined problem (Savery, 2006). Hence, with this methodology, students can analyze and solve a problem using an inductive approach, avoiding the deductive approaches usually used in conventional classes.

This study was implemented in the Industrial Engineering School at the University of Castilla- La Mancha (Albacete, Spain). It was applied to the subjects of Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery with a group of nearly 70 students. This work introduced PBL methodology in combination with short questions using Software Socrative. In this way, students had to think about the proposed problem in groups, but respond individually to questions on the topic, increasing student motivation.

Using this tool, students are expected to attempt to solve a specific problem proposed in class, from a theoretical and practical point of view, combining theoretical concepts and management of specialized equipment in the laboratory. In fact, the proposed problem is related to a field that they might encounter during their subsequent professional activity.

In the PBL proposed, the students need to solve a problem in class to generate an initial discussion on the situation so that they can detect possible critical points. The proposed case, within the context of the subject indicated, focuses on a problem in the management of an urban water distribution network.

The problem is a case study, where a village mayor is concerned about operating problems in the urban water distribution network. The council receives numerous complaints from neighbors related to problems with the water distribution, not only in terms of quantity, but also due to poor quality, which affects the quality of life of the inhabitants.

The mayor tasks a group of engineers with identifying the problem and proposing possible corrective measures and solutions. The problem is that they have little time, since it is only a few weeks before the beginning of August, and it is a tourist area.

The combination of the PBL method and Software Socrative was positively evaluated by the students. Approximately 88% of the students considered the activity was different to the methodology commonly used in class (passive participation) and highlighted their active participation as a positive factor. Approximately, 80% of the students reported that the main disadvantage of this activity was the lack of time, resulting in a certain level of stress.

From our teaching experience, the use of this methodology is of great interest because the students are clearly motivated, which is important for the learning process. However, we coincide with the students on the lack of time. We consider this activity needs to be applied over a short period of time during the course, to be able to explain all the content of the subject. Moreover, the main difficulty was implementing this methodology with a large number of students, which can be highlighted as the main limitation of these methodologies.

Keywords:

Inductive teaching, problem based learning, fluid mechanics.