From project-based to problem-based learning in engineering disciplines: Enhancing Cartography and Geomatics education

Abstract

Engineering disciplines such as Cartography, Geomatics and Geodesy depend heavily on practical courses and "hands-on" education, both demand a strong "active" component of students and opportunities of systematic interaction loops between teachers and students. In this paper we discuss the enhancement of such classes through switching from a rather project-based learning focus on a problem-based learning mode. Experiences from several classes in this context, especially in the domain of Location-based Services, Cartography and Geomatics, are discussed and reasoning for further development of such a problem-based learning environment is given. The aim of "activating" students can be reached therefore.