Identifying Good Practice in the use of PBL to Teach Computing

This paper presents the findings of an initial study to identify the use of Problem-based Learning in the teaching of computing within higher education programmes. The study aimed to identify examples of the use of PBL, as well as examples of good practice and issues that needed consideration for successful implementation. Practitioners were surveyed in the UK, Singapore, Australia, Sweden and USA. The study found that the use of PBL in the teaching of computing does not appear to be widespread, but, where it was in use, a number of benefits were reported. These included improved student motivation, employability, student retention and pass rates. The paper also identifies a number of challenges that face implementers; and it includes some recommendations that may assist tutors wanting to use PBL within the teaching of computing.