Continuous Project Based Learning Program in the Department of System Robotics, Toyo University

Abstract

Students in the faculty of engineering generally have to study basic subjects such as mathematics and physics. The basic subjects are required in preparation for specialized subjects in the senior grades. However, it is not easy for many students to keep their motivations during the long preparatory period. Therefore, the Department of System Robotics at Toyo University provides students with a series of project based learning (PBL) classes in order to motivate them to study the specialized subjects. We continuously offer the PBL classes for two-and-a-half years until students begin to research for their undergraduate theses. In this paper, the method of our PBL program is shown and its effects on activeness, cooperation and motives of students are discussed based on the results of a questionnaire.