A Problem-based Approach to Learning Economics: An Experiment in Progress at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic

ABSTRACT

Employers want workers with the skills of life-long learning and problem-solving. Recent efforts emphasize the value of having learning skills embedded within the total curriculum. The problem-based approach to learning has been found to encourage the development of these skills in students as well as to foster in them a deep (as opposed to the surface) approach to learning. The problem bared approach is also seen to foster confidence and initiative, and in some instances the development of teamwork and communication skills. This paper briefly describes the problem-based approach and the attempt currently being made to introduce the approach to business studies students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic in the context of an Economics course. Preliminary results indicate that students had been stimulated to show initiative, and that a large majority found self-learning, communication skills to be a major benefit of the course.