Using Problem Based Learning Environment to Enhance Algorithmic Problem Solving Skill

Abstract

Many undergraduate students often have difficultieswith design algorithms. This problem leads to a perpetual failurein the appropriation and assimilation of algorithmic foundations. To address this issue, we propose a teaching approach whichaims more specifically at constructing progressively problemsolving skill among novices as well as providing a design method, which can be adopted in other disciplines to conceive coursesbased on problem based learning (PBL), eliciting motivation, giving meaning to the knowledge to be learnt and engaginglearners in the learning process. An experimentation was carriedout to investigate the effectiveness of the designed learningenvironment. The results stated that the majority of students ofPBL group were either satisfied or extremely satisfied withproblem based learning approach and show significantly greatanalysis and design skills than traditional groups.