An Elective Course-Based Model for the Change of Traditional Engineering Curriculum Towards PBL in a Chinese University

Abstract

The chapter presents two PBL models for the change of traditional engineering curriculum based on traditional courses across colleges at the Northeastern University in China. A particular focus of the PBL model design is about interdisciplinarity. In this regard, the E2-iPBL model is developed based on general and major elective courses offered across many disciplines, whereas the JD-iPBL model is considered to develop PBL courses by further introducing compulsory major courses for a joint-degree training program. For practical implementations within the traditional engineering curriculum background, the change of the teacher's role for student-centered constructive learning is briefly summarized. Possible realizations and simple cases are illustrated. Finally, a comparative study of the E2-iPBL and JD-iPBL models is outlined.