Project-based Learning (PBL) for Object-Oriented Programming Laboratory

Abstract

The theoretical aspect of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a difficult subject to understand. As the approach in teaching the engineering technology students is different from the the other engineering students, we have adopted the PBL method to help students to learn this programming subject. A vending machine system was selected as a project for the students to complete by the end of their semester. A lab handbook was prepared and was given to them as a weekly practical guideline for them to complete the project. Proper assessments had to be conducted in order to evaluate the students understanding of the subject. A pre and post survey had shown that the students felt that learning through project had increased their understanding about the subject. They began to appreciate the knowledge and wished to learn more about it. Of significance was their ability to foresee how the knowledge could be applied to the real world context.