Determining the elements of problem solving strategies in project-based laboratory (PB Lab) course

Abstract

This study focuses on determining the elements of problem solving strategies that occur during Project-based Laboratory (PB Lab) teaching and learning (T&L) activities. Problem solving strategies are defined as strategies which significantly relate to the elements involved in problem solving procedures that guide students to solve problems during T&L activities. Four groups, each of which consists of five students and one PB Lab facilitator, were observed. Seven PB Lab facilitators were interviewed. The respondents are from the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Power) (SEE) program in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. This qualitative research employed the thematic analysis technique in determining the themes related to the elements of problem solving strategies that occurred during the PB Lab activities. The results of the analysis have indicated that there are five main processes associated with the problem solving elements that took place during the PB Lab course activities, which led to enhancing the students' problem solving skills in the laboratory context.