Teaching physics to engineering students using problem-based learning

This paper describes how problem-based learning can be used to teach physics to first-year; engineering students. The problem-based learning pedagogical approach promotes the development; of key skills such as problem-solving and group skills. A model of problem-based learning is then; suggested for use with first-year students and the implications of its use are detailed. The evaluation; of this PBL course is outlined. This paper should be of particular interest to anyone who is not in a; position to convert a complete course from traditional teaching methodologies to problem-based; learning but would like to introduce it into one part of a course.