Abstract:

In this paper we show the results of the implementation of the Project Based Learning (PBL) in Power Electronics subject with a large group of students. This case study with more than sixty students, has highlighted some areas that will require further development of the PBL methodology: firstly, the management of classroom, laboratory and off-campus time, and the students perception of the efficient and productive use of this time, and improvement in the use of teacher and student time; secondly, combining the theoretical knowledge applied in the project design work with the knowledge essential for final exams as a required part of students final assessment; and lastly, that the individual student assessment reflects the students work in the subject. The aim of the project has been to integrate different tools, involved in the learning process, into a compact scenario based on real applications, as applied to the power electronic field. The proposed PBL methodology achieves the objectives that have been the aim of this plan: firstly, the students can observe and comprehend the relationship between many of the theoretical questions and their practical use, secondly, the created scenario permits the students to observe the real application of theoretical parameters that are included in an industrial system, and lastly, the shared work promotes the creation of teamwork and social skills. The analysis of students’ opinion surveys during the two last years, and the comparison of academic results over the five last years combined with the teachers experience during this time, show an improving and encouraging framework, that will be further improved upon with the continuing development of the PBL methodology.

Keywords:

Engineering education, Power Electronics, Project Based Learning methodology.