Abstract
This study aimed to compare the impact of the problem-based (PBL) with the traditional teaching (TLA) approach on students’ academic performance and learning attitudes of computing subjects at the Kolej Profesional MARA Seri Iskandar (KPMSI), Perak, Malaysia. The participants of this study involved 74 students in the second semester of Foundation in Business (FIB 2) and third semester of Higher National Diploma (HND 3). A total of 40 students were allocated in PBL group while 34 students were allocated in TLA group. The participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. In this experimental design study, a quantitative method was employed using an adapted pretest and posttest as the research instrument which consists of 30 multiple choice items. Additionally, a structured survey was administered to the students after they are being exposed to a particular teaching method. Findings of the study showed that students instructed with problem-based approach significantly outperformed than those instructed with traditionally designed instruction. This study also suggests that there was a significant relationship between teaching methods and students’ academic performance. A significant relationship also found in students’ learning attitudes and academic performance where the feedback from the students indicated that items “learn from others” and “peer support” have an impact on their academic performance. No statistically significant relationship was found between teaching methods employed and the students’ learning attitudes. The findings from this study will provide educators with an alternative strategy for improving teaching and learning of computing subjects.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Zhang, Y., Liang, R., Ma, H.: Teaching Innovation in Computer Network Course for Undergraduate Students with Packet Tracer (2012)
Baharom, S., Palaniandy, B.: Problem-Based Learning: A Process for the Acquisition of Learning and Generic Skills. Aalborg University Press, Denmark (2013)
Ismail, N.: Defining Vocational Education and Training for Tertiary Level Education: Where does Problem Based Learning Fit in? Aalborg University Press, Denmark (2013)
Song, H.G., Gao, X., Qiu, Z.: The computer network curriculum teaching innovation and practice. In: 2nd International Workshop on Education Technology and Computer Science, ETCS 2010, vol 2, pp. 739–741 (2010)
Oliveira, A.M.C.A., Dos Santos, S.C., Garcia, V.C.: PBL in teaching computing: an overview of the last 15 years. In: Proceedings—Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE, pp. 267–272 (2013)
Ajzen, I.: Attitude structure and behavior. In: Attitude Structure and Function (1989)
Mamat, N.J.Z., Mazelan, F.F.: Learning encouragement factors and academic performance. Procedia—Soc. Behav. Sci. 18, 307–315 (2011)
Chang, L.C., Lee, G.C.: A team-teaching model for practicing project-based learning in high school: collaboration between computer and subject teachers. Comput. Educ. 55, 961–969 (2010)
Neo, M., Neo, K.T.K.: Innovative teaching: using multimedia in a problem-based learning environment. Educ. Technol. Soc. (2001)
Bandura, A.: Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol. Rev. 84, 191–215 (1977)
Kazemi, F., Shahmohammadi, A., Sharei, M.: The survey on relationship between the attitude and academic achievement of in-service mathematics teachers in introductory probability and statistics. World Appl. Sci. J. 22(7), 886–891 (2013)
Hung, W.: Theory to reality: a few issues in implementing problem-based learning. Educ. Tech. Res. Dev. 59, 529–552 (2011)
Wu, A.C., Chen, J.: Sampling and Experimental Design Fall 2006 Lecture Notes (2006)
MS Access Final Exam, http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=ms-access-final-exam
Lammle, T.: CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, 4th edn. Sybex Inc., San Francisco (2004)
Looi, H.C., Seyal, A.H.: Problem-based Learning: An Analysis of its Application to the Teaching of Programming, pp. 68–76 (2014)
Sangestani, G., Khatiban, M.: Comparison of problem-based learning and lecture-based learning in midwifery. Nurse Educ. Today 33, 791–795 (2013)
Sungur, S., Tekkaya, C., Geban, Ö.: Improving achievement through problem-based learning. In: J. Biol. Educ. (2006)
McParland, M., Noble, L.M., Livingston, G.: The effectiveness of problem-based learning compared to traditional teaching in undergraduate psychiatry. Med. Educ. 38(8), 859–867 (2004)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this paper
Cite this paper
Rajuli, S., Baharun, N. (2017). A Comparative Study of Problem-Based and Traditional Teaching in Computing Subjects. In: Ahmad, AR., Kor, L., Ahmad, I., Idrus, Z. (eds) Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing, Mathematics and Statistics (iCMS 2015). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2772-7_28
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2772-7_28
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-10-2770-3
Online ISBN: 978-981-10-2772-7
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)