Problem-based Learning: An Analysis of its Application to the Teaching of Programming

There are evidence that problem based learning (PBL), in comparison with other instructional methods, has value for enhancing the quality of students' learning and problem solving. PBL has a learning environment in which the problem drives learning, because it is posed in such a way that students realize they need to acquire new knowledge before the problem can be solved. This study examines the experience of an implementation of PBL approach to teaching of an undergraduate programming course at a higher educational institution in Brunei Darussalam. The study results further indicated the improvement among students' performance based upon problem-based methodology. A survey instrument was used to generate the quantitative data for subsequent evaluation and analysis using the SPSS statistical software. The finding from this study will contribute to our understanding of the difficulties in learning introductory programming and can provide educators with an alternative strategy for improving the teaching and learning of a programming language. The problem solving and soft skills gained through PBL as a teaching delivery method can also enhance students' employability once they graduate.