The research provides an evaluation on whether problem-based learning is superior to traditional teaching methods in developing essential employability skills. Employability, a complex notion, encompasses an understanding of discipline, efficacy beliefs and metacognitive fluency. Problem-based learning, that is acclaimed to provide a rich learning environment and opportunities for students to develop desirable employability characteristic, befits facilitation of computer networking courses due to its problem-oriented nature.
This research focuses on using a framework approach to deliver problem-based learning to computer networking modules within the context of undergraduate degree program in Computing. The problems, simulated case studies and those drawn from real-life network problems are used as a context to understand, apply and actively rehearse wide ranging employability skills in a supervised environment, allowing for additional feedback and skills development.
Interim evaluation of the research, which is a work in progress, demonstrates a positive take-on of this new pedagogy by students