Project-Based Learning as a Method for Interdisciplinary Adaptation to Climate Change—Reda Valley Case Study

Dominika Wróblewska and Romanika Okraszewska
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Dominika Wróblewska: Department of Geodesy, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
Romanika Okraszewska: Department of Highway and Transportation Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 11, 1-15

Abstract: The challenges of the global labour market require university authorities to extend traditional forms of education into more innovative and effective solutions. Project-based learning (PjBL) is one of highly effective methods for acquiring knowledge and teaching “soft” skills to future employees. This article describes an experimental use of PjBL at a university with a long history of teaching based on traditional methods—the Gdansk University of Technology. The experiment was conducted in the academic year 2017–2018, in collaboration with the city of Wejherowo. The project’s main goal was to solve the city’s real problems related to climate change, land development and water management. The project was implemented experimentally as part of two subjects: spatial planning, and monitoring and environmental management to ensure an interdisciplinary approach and cover the scope of the project fully. The results of the experiment confirmed the evidence-based advantages of PjBL. However, several methodological, organisational and technical problems, which need to be resolved before a new edition starts, were encountered during the experimental implementation of the method. The experiment was positively received by students, clients, and tutors. To evaluate the impact of PjBL on spatial planning education, the new edition must include a methodological framework for evaluation.

Keywords: project-based learning; transversal skills; civil engineering; spatial planning; adaptation to climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:11:p:4360-:d:363178

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