Understanding the effectiveness of the PBL method in different regional contexts: the case of Colombia

ABSTRACT

This study compared the effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning method (PBL) with the conventional teaching method in developing cross-curricular skills and improving academic performance among 1064 undergraduate students at the north coast of Colombia. A t–student test, Welch test, and the Tau Kendall correlation coefficient were used to analyse the PBL and non-PBL groups in 40 Economic Integration courses in three years. A pre-test, post-test, and achievement of academic objectives questionnaire was applied, as well as a verification test of previous knowledge and a focus group at the end of the courses. It was observed that the PBL method is superior in the development of problem-solving and teamwork skills only of five observed. The application of the PBL method was associated with the fulfilment of two of the five academic objectives analysed, which is confirmed by the feedback from the focus groups. This research contributes to the analysis of the usefulness of teaching methods in different geographical contexts.

KEYWORDS:

• Project-based learning
• teaching method
• problem-solving
• teamwork
• north coast of Colombia
• skills

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CEDU). We thank our participants for their generous contribution to this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Centre for Teaching Excellence [CEDU] under grant [Number 2018-1-2C].

Notes on contributors

Mario Alberto de la Puente Pacheco

Professor Mario de la Puente is a professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Universidad Del Norte (Colombia). Professor De la Puente has worked on the implementation of teaching methodologies in vulnerable socio-economic contexts and especially on the impact of the PBL methodology in the development of cross-curricular competencies in various areas of knowledge.

Carlos Mario de Oro Aguado

Professor Carlos Mario De Oro Aguado is a mathematician from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of Universidad del Norte, currently working on the implementation of logistic regressions applied in case studies involving teaching methodologies with Professor Mario de la Puente.

Elkyn Lugo Arias

Professor Elkyn Lugo Arias is a member of the Social Development Management Group (DESOGE) of the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences of the Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios, UNIMINUTO.