An investigation into the use of problem based learning to develop graduate attributes in Irish engineering undergraduate education

This paper investigates the use of a Problem Based Learning (PBL) project within a Concrete Technology Laboratory to assess how effective it can be in improving graduate attributes. PBL is known to enhance a deeper understanding of lecture material, however the benefit of PBL in developing graduate attributes is unclear. The findings from a PBL exercise undertaken by civil and structural engineering undergraduate students to mimic real-life scenarios are presented. Students were surveyed to identify how successfully the PBL approach attributed to the development of specific graduate skills. The findings from the study are presented in a radar diagram which highlights areas where graduate attributes were weak and strong, underlining the benefit and limitations of PBL in this context. The information gained will be used in future projects to focus PBL teaching to develop these weak areas as a way of enhancing graduate attributes, thus improving student employability upon graduation.