Abstract:

The aim of the foregoing article is to show more than a dozen years of experience in the field of implementing various forms of problem-based learning as an important tool in supporting the effective teaching in Higher Education.

This article shall present two types of flagship projects which have been carried out for many years at IFE based on Problem Based Learning Method (PBL) or Design Thinking Method.

PBL is a teaching method in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended problem. Design Thinking is a method to develop and promote creativity and innovation in problem solving through the use of prototyping. This approach, although originally created decades ago has known great success in recent years, and is being used successfully to create the most innovative products and services.

The main goal was to compare the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.

The analysis carried out shows how significantly problem projects support the development of key competences, such as creative thinking, reflective learning, adaptability, lifelong learning skills, effective work in groups, all of which are currently of vital importance.

Keywords:

Problem based learning, Design Thinking, innovative teaching methods.