Abstract:

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a curriculum design and a teaching/learning strategy that embodies most of the principles that improve learning, i.e. being active and cooperative learners, receiving prompt feedback, teaching which is tailored to students’ learning preferences and promoting student empowerment and accountability. It aims to help students develop higher order thinking skills and a substantial disciplinary knowledge base by placing students in the active role of problem solvers confronted with a situation that reflects the real world. Rather than focusing on facts, PBL encourages active learning and self-directed learning; is context-based using ‘real life’ situations; focuses on thinking skills (problem solving, analysis, decision making, critical thinking); requires integration of interdisciplinary knowledge or skills or behaviours and develops lifelong learning skills [1,2]

This paper describes a comprehensive problem-based learning approach to the Inorganic Chemistry Course for Chemical Engineering Students of the University Rey Juan Carlos. To date, teaching and learning of Inorganic Chemistry is usually carried out using a didactic approach where teachers deliver formal lectures to transmit knowledge. The student’s perception of Inorganic Chemistry is a successive description of elements, compounds and properties often without connection and without a clear application. The PBL method can vary this perception; Inorganic Chemistry provides a rich source of contexts in, for example, forensic science, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and industrial chemistry. In this study we will take advantage of the success of TV programs such as CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) or imperfect crimes that have woken the interest of the public towards forensic sciences. The students will be provided with a case study problem in forensic science [3]. Their tasks will be to identify the problems in the case study, collaborate within the group to accumulate information in order to find solutions to the problems and finally, discuss their findings before presenting the best solutions to the whole class.

The main course objectives are to provide students with, firstly learning the capacity to use basic scientific theory to solve real-world chemical problems and develop critical thinking skills, and secondly an in-depth understanding of the importance of certain inorganic compounds, its interrelationship with other scientific areas, its application and its qualitative and quantitative determination.

[1] M. de Miguel, I. Alfaro, P. Apocada, J. Arias, E. García, C. Lobato, A. Pérez. (2006) Metodologías de enseñanza-aprendizaje para el desarrollo de competencias. (Learning and teaching methodologies for skill development). Ed. Alianza, Madrid.
[2] A. Escribano, A. Del VALLE (2008) El aprendizaje basado en problemas (Problem-based learning). Ed. Narcea
[3] J. Emsley. (2008). Molecules of Murder. RSC publishing

Keywords:

research projects, innovation, problem based learning.