Dr Hor Poh Jin

Principal Consultant Dream Catcher

Project Based Learning (PBL) -

An Effective Approach to TVET Delivery

in Meeting Market Demand

Project-Based Learning (PBL) - An Effective Approach to TVET Delivery in

Meeting Market Demand By

Dr. HOR Poh Jin, Samuel LEE

Primary Secondary Undergrad Graduate Fresh

Engineer Prof

Engineer

DreamCatcher provides Technical Training to engineers and scientists and also Courseware to Universities globally.

The gaps we bridge along the learning value chain are shown below.

Develop life skills

Reduce cost of higher

education

TVET

Industry-centric curriculum

University Courseware

Reduce time-to-productive

Certification Program

Close tech / domain gaps

Professional Training

> 300 univ Installed base

57 countries Global presence

5 partners Global Tech Leaders

> 400 courses Annually

>20 countries Customer Base

4 industries EE, LS, O&G, ICT

> 35,000 trained Engineers & Scientists

7 labs Technical labs

>500 courses Technical courses

2 domains Mechtronics, 2D

50 apprentices School leavers

2 hosts Inspidea, Daikin

©2019 Dream Catcher Consulting Sdn Bhd

Agenda

• Background & PBL Learning Objectives

• Project-based learning concept and implementation

• Preliminary program outcomes and summary

What is work place like? Project in nature Function/Task in nature

Both require vocational

knowledge and skills !

Work-place-like TVET NDTS (SLDN) Delivery Model

30% Classroom Training 70% On Job Training Project-based Function-/Task- based

Design self-driving car

Automated System

Assembly

Team and environment

Follow SOP

Mechanical and Assembly Software Programming

Electronic System (NOSS Requirement)

What do employers look for?

Source: https://wp.jsstatic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/03/fgskills.jpg

Main reasons why graduates are unemployed

Source: https://www.jobstreet.com.my/career-resources/employers-rank-soft-skills-academics/#.XGYyPs8zajQ

Agenda

• Background & PBL Learning Objectives

• Project-based learning concept and implementation

• Preliminary program outcomes and summary

Can Project-based learning delivery the employer’s expectations?

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Problem-solving

• Initiative and enterprise

• Planning and organising

• Self-management

• Learning to learn

• Technology ?

Characteristics of a project

• Outcomes and objectives

• Timeline (Start and end of project)

• Limitations and constraints

• Tasks break-down for execution

• Escalation and conflict handling

• Review, validation and action plans

• Reporting and presentation

Characteristics of

Project

How to deploy for TVET Delivery

Outcomes and

objectives

Alignment of learning on critical knowledge and

skills to the project outcomes

Clear outcomes improve motivation for learning

Timeline (Start and end

of project)

Planning and organizing: Project timeline enhances

skills in time and resource management

Self-management: Clear timeline instils discipline to

follow timeline

Limitations and

constraints

Initiative and enterprising: Decision making to trade

off and optimize, hence enhances communication,

logical and critical thinking skills

Teamwork: consensus, empathy, mutual respect

Mapping Characteristics of project to employer’s expectations

Mapping Characteristics of project to employer’s expectations .. Cont..

Tasks break down for

execution

Learning to learn & technology: identify and learn

relevant knowledge and skills, resourcefulness to

address a specific task

Problem solving and technology: apply knowledge,

teamwork, tenacity

Escalation and conflict

handling

Communication: clarity, awareness of biases

Teamwork: tolerance, empathy,

non-judgemental

Review, validation and

action plans

Learning to learn: reflection, being objective

Problem solving: Task outcome focused, discipline

Reporting and

presentation

Communication: Structure idea, clarity, confidence,

expression, writing and speaking

Project-Based Learning Design Methodology

STEP 1 : Project Identification

Main

Technology

Domain

Knowledge and Skills Relevant to

Industrial Automation NOSS

Design and build an autonomous car –

with 3 focused challenges (Sub-projects)

Mechanical &

Manufacturing

Design: sketching, drafting, reading

Fabrication

Assembly and disassembly

Safety

Maintenance

Resource mgt: planning, scheduling

Sub-project 1 : The best car body design

(Aesthetic and ease of assembly)

Control &

Programming

Sensors and controls: for input

Actuators: for output

Processors

Systems: assembly, programming

Sub-project 2 : The best performance on the

competition track (speed and accuracy)

Electrical &

Electronics

Components

Circuits

Sub-project 3 : The best electronic feature

enhancements (instrumentation and

electronic system)

Project : Design and build an autonomous car

STEP 2 : Project Decomposition

Main

Technology

Domain

Problem to

be solved

Knowledge and

Skill required

Problems defined to stimulate learning

Control and

Programming

Systems

Assembly

Control

programming

Integrated into every activity

As needed when learning other areas

Actuators

Motor

Lights

Speakers

Basic circuits

Controlling car movement (forwards,

backwards, turning)

Light and sound effects

Sensors

Path sensing

Distance

sensing

Circuits and connection

Tracking and following competition track

Avoiding obstacles on competition track

Sub-project 2 : The best performance on the competition track (speed and accuracy)

Technical subjects (NOSS)

• Problem-solving • Self-directed learning • Communication • Collaboration

• Curiosity • Initiative • Tenacity • Leadership

Life skills

Platforms

MOOC, Internet Resources and Open source tools

STEP 3 : Working to solve problems and synthesize solutions

Relevant projects Technology subjects

Methodology: Project-based learning

Internet Resource MOOC, Meet-up, Forum

Peer Learning What you see, know,

perceive vs others

Environment: Blended Learning

Agenda

• Background & PBL Learning Objectives

• Project-based learning concept and implementation

• Preliminary program outcomes and summary

Classroom setup

Preliminary finding after 12 months – feedbacks from OJT employers

Program Design Outcomes:

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Initiative and enterprise

Planning and organising

Self-management

Learning to learn

Technology

Employer feedback:

High motivation

Good discipline

High retention at work place

Good attitude to learning

Good communication & teamwork

Summary

• PBL can be deployed to deliver TVET education to enhance employability effectively

• Systematic project design to include NOSS requirement and blend with online material and effective learning environment will allow students to acquire more holistic exposure and work-based skill set.

Q & A