ERIC Number: EJ1492558
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 35
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2246-0918
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Using the Delphi Method to Understand Convergent and Divergent Perspectives of PBL Experts and Engineering Faculty in Aerospace Engineering
Andrew Olewnik; Laine Schrewe; Scott Ferguson
Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education, v13 n1 p95-129 2025
Problem based learning (PBL), though recognized as beneficial to student development, faces implementation challenges in engineering education. We conducted a Delphi study with PBL and (aerospace) engineering domain experts to understand challenges around learning outcomes, problem design, facilitation, and assessment. The context for the study was an introductory aerospace engineering course, transitioning from a traditional lecture to a PBL format. We found consensus among both expert groups as it relates to ideas about learning outcomes. However, with respect to problem design and facilitation, we observed a slower and more contentious convergence, with some ideas failing to reach consensus. From this, four salient issues emerged as potential barriers to PBL implementation that supports students in important aspects of their professional development: problem framing, making relevant connections to society, a deficit view of students, and discomfort with facilitation. Implications related to these issues are discussed, with consideration given to complications stemming from the isolated, individual-course implementations of PBL commonly found in practice.
Descriptors: Delphi Technique, Expertise, Problem Based Learning, Engineering Education, Aerospace Education, Introductory Courses, Design, Program Implementation, Barriers, Problem Solving
Aalborg University Press. Skjernvej 4A, 2.sal, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark. Web site: http://journals.aau.dk/index.php/pbl
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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