Problem based learning case in a control undergraduate subject

Abstract

Student motivation is a relevant subject in many engineering areas including control and related subjects such as instrumentation. The classic approach to teaching has revealed itself a major obstacle for today’s students characterized by a being users of advanced technology in their daily life. Theoretical classes and even old laboratory experiments are of no appeal to them. In this paper a case study of the application of Problem Based Learning ideas is presented. The students are faced with a design problem in which they build a temperature control from basics components. The experience took place at the Engineering College of the University of Seville. The results shown are drawn from a three-year study and are compared with other undergraduate subjects.