Abstract:

For almost two decades Silesian University of Technology (SUT) implements Problem Based Learning Method in education process of future engineers.

This conscious choice was a consequence of the tradition of cooperation with industry and engaging MSc students to resolve real problems delivered by the cooperating technological companies and profound studies on the educational process of engineers in rapidly developing technologically driven society.

The initial steps were trained on the Faculty of Civil Engineering with Integrated Project, where students were working on one building under supervision of professors specialized in complementary areas needed to realize the project: from soil mechanics to services.

Since 2018 Silesian University of Technology initiated massive implementation of PBL in all of faculties and programms of the studies. SUT realized over 200 PBL projects involving hundreds of students and professors. The subjects of PBLs are prepared by teams of academic teachers and chosen in regular, semestral calls. Students’ teams are consisting of 2 or 3 groups representing different disciplines, supervised by academic teachers and experts recruited from the industry.

PBL develops the student's competences in the substantive, methodological and social areas, supporting the university education process with aspects similar to organizational, industrial and business practice.

Participation of students in projects enriches their competences by bringing theory to practice closer and increasing the transfer of scientific thought to industry.
It increases their chances on the labor market by giving them new tools to participate in the professional life of their industry and consciously shape their own development path.

PBL support teamwork competences, on the other hand, they develop the creativity and courage of students, among whom leadership attitudes are formed.
The paper refers the methodology elaborated at SUT, observations and methodological results achieved.

Keywords:

Project Based Learning Method, PBL, education, interdisciplinary education, Silesian University of Technology.