A aprendizagem baseada em problemas (ABP): uma aplicação na disciplina “Gestão empresarial” do curso de Engenharia Civil

Abstract

The methodology of Problem-based Learning or PBL, unlike conventional methods of teaching is an approach which uses problems to close the gap between theory and practice in the learning process. In addition to encouraging the construction of knowledge, proposes to contribute to the development of some non-technical professional attributes considered important for the practice of engineering in a society in constant and rapid changes. This work, an action research, experienced and sought to analyze the efficiency of the method during its application in the Business Management course, taught to the students at the penultimate and last semester of undergraduate courses in Civil Engineering. Data for analysis were collected through participant teacher / tutor´s observations and through evaluation reports, in which students were asked about PBL, its advantages and disadvantages and their potential to achieve those goals. In the three case studies, although applied to different classes, show through the students´ reports and through a continuous assessment that the learning occurred as well as the knowledge and the development of some skills and attitudes targeted in the discipline, such as: research capacity, entrepreneurship development, methodological innovation and searching for knowledge. In general, students reacted positively to the BPL. This suggests that its applicability is possible in the contexts studied. The methodology also proved to be a useful tool for professional development for teacher regarding to his practice.