Crafting Engineering Problems for Problem-Based Learning Curriculum

An effective problem is the heart of problem-based learning (PBL). Crafting problems according to effective PBL problems criteria is a challenging task to problem crafters especially in engineering. The aim of this paper is to describe a guided technique for crafting PBL problems based on the experience implementing PBL at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Based on literature, the criteria of effective PBL problem are condensed into five main principles and aligned with the objectives of using problems for learning. A sample case study from Process Control and Dynamics, a chemical engineering course taken by the third-year undergraduates, is presented to demonstrate the technique. Feedback from students on their perspective about effective engineering problems is also included.