CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Advanced Search
Home > Proceedings > Volume 9289 > Article
Open Access Paper
17 July 2014 Student reactions to problem-based learning in photonics technician education
Nicholas M. Massa, Judith Donnelly, Fenna Hanes
Author Affiliations +
Proceedings Volume 9289, 12th Education and Training in Optics and Photonics Conference; 928918 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2070518
Event: 12th Education and Training in Optics and Photonics Conference, 2013, Porto, Portugal
Abstract
Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach in which students learn problem-solving and teamwork skills by collaboratively solving complex real-world problems. Research shows that PBL improves student knowledge and retention, motivation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to skillfully apply knowledge in new and novel situations. One of the challenges faced by students accustomed to traditional didactic methods, however, is acclimating to the PBL process in which problem parameters are often ill-defined and ambiguous, often leading to frustration and disengagement with the learning process. To address this problem, the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), funded by the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF-ATE) program, has created and field tested a comprehensive series of industry-based multimedia PBL “Challenges” designed to scaffold the development of students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills. In this paper, we present the results of a pilot study conducted to examine student reactions to the PBL Challenges in photonics technician education. During the fall 2012 semester, students (n=12) in two associate degree level photonics courses engaged in PBL using the PBL Challenges. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess student motivation, self-efficacy, critical thinking, metacognitive self-regulation, and peer learning using selected scales from the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Results showed positive gains in all variables. Follow-up focus group interviews yielded positive themes supporting the effectiveness of PBL in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes of photonics technicians.
© (2014) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Citation Download Citation
Nicholas M. Massa, Judith Donnelly, and Fenna Hanes "Student reactions to problem-based learning in photonics technician education", Proc. SPIE 9289, 12th Education and Training in Optics and Photonics Conference, 928918 (17 July 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2070518
PROCEEDINGS
 12 PAGES
DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY
GET CITATION
Lens.org Logo
CITATIONS
Cited by 4 scholarly publications.
Advertisement
Advertisement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission  Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace
KEYWORDS
Photonics
Analytical research
Technician training
Multimedia
Reflectivity
Scanning transmission electron microscopy
Fiber lasers
RELATED CONTENT
Subscribe to Digital Library
Receive Erratum Email Alert
Back to Top