Student perceptions of an embedded problem-based learning instructional approach in a hospitality undergraduate programme

The purpose of this article is to describe the outcomes of a study that investigated the embedding of a problem-based learning (PBL) instructional approach in traditional undergraduate teaching curriculum. This article reports the outcomes of the study, which involved two groups of full-time hotel and catering management sub-degree and degree students in face-to-face mode at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The results of the study suggest that students appreciate a self-directed approach to learning. The results also indicate that there are significant perceptual differences between the pre-PBL intervention scores and the post-PBL intervention scores. Furthermore, the outcome of student feedback indicates that students are willing to embrace PBL methods-methods based on student-centred learning as opposed to teacher-centred learning. The students in the study mainly experienced traditional methods of teaching and learning during their education, and were accustomed to a teacher-led, passive style of learning. However, after exposure to PBL methods, students demonstrated that they were able to take a more pro-active role in their learning. Of the classroom activities that students participated in, group activities rated the highest. Qualitative feedback from the students also highlights that they value communicative and interactive learning activities more than the traditional lecture-led method of learning. One negative finding was that students were concerned about the amount of time required for the PBL approach to learning compared with traditional lecture-led learning methods.