Project based learning: An innovative approach for integrating 21st century skills

Abstract

Project Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional technique constructed upon learning activities and real problems that have brought challenges for students to solve. The PBL is an innovative approach to teaching and learning that teaches students not just content, but also important skills for success in the 21st century. The attempt has been made to integrate the 21st-century skills through PBL implemented to the course Kinematics of Machines. The PBL allows students to work on their own ideas/concepts and make decisions that affect project outcomes and the learning process. The main objective of PBL is to develop high quality and the authentic mechanism that fulfills the desired need. The research focused on developing 21st-century skills of Mechanical Engineering students in the second year of Engineering through PBL activity. The data was collected through observations, evolution rubrics, and student feedback. The results showed that students have developed their creativity, communication and presentation, time management, self-assessment, group participation, leadership, and critical thinking skills. PBL approach focuses on real-world problems and challenges using problem-solving, investigation and decision-making skills. The intention of this study is to investigate the effect of PBL on student's skills and learning outcomes.