A curriculum for electrical power engineering based on project based learning philosophy

Abstract

A curriculum for electrical power engineering based on project based learning (PBL) methodology has been designed. Although the educational program is totally based on PBL, this curriculum is comprised of two types of study units. Some study units are based on a combination of lectures, tutorials and problem based learning techniques. Others are fully based on PBL. As an example of a fully PBL study unit, a course in power system analysis has been developed. For delivering the course in PBL, a power system laboratory has been established, which gives students access to professional software packages. Real-world industry-relevant projects are defined in the areas of power system operation and planning. These projects are used as stimuli for student learning. Portfolio assessment is used to assess students learning outcome. The first delivery of the course has been successful with positive feedback from students.