Problem-Based Learning as an Educational Method for the 21st Generation Space Scientists

摘要

We investigated the application of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model on international postgraduate students. We proposed a PBL model based on five sections: i) selection, ii) presentation of the challenge, iii) teamwork process, iv) assessment and v) introspection; and report the results of its implementation. The students were asked to participate on a satellite competition and we applied our PBL model to prepare them. We found that leadership is a key characteristic that plays an important role for the team work process and consecution of the objectives. Different skills and attitudes were bolstered before the competition took place. The permanent feedback, assessment, introspection and mutual communication were the key elements for the consecution of the second price in the competition. We regard our PBL model as a pillar of academic success.