Applying Problem Based Learning to Improve Student Engagement in an Engineering Economics Course

Abstract

Maintaining high levels of student engagement and interest is a widespread challenge in teaching Engineering Economics courses. To address this challenge at Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, a series of problem-based homework assignments focused on personal investing and tax return preparation have been developed and integrated into the Global Business Economics and Communication course. This transition in course structure has resulted in significant improvements in student engagement as measured by class attendance, homework completion rates, and course evaluation statistics. This transition also increased polarization of students’ academic performance which may be addressed through further development of the problem-based learning course content.