A sustainable model for problem based learning in a South African School

S. Von Solms, W. S. Hurter, J. Meyer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

South Africa is currently facing an education dilemma with high numbers of youth unemployment and a growing specialized skills shortage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM problem based learning events, hosted by government and the corporate sector, has shown to improve science and technology literacy and to encourage the youth to pursue tertiary education in the field of science. Unfortunately, schools face a range of challenges which restricts them from participating in these learning methods, depriving learners of the advantages offered by problem based learning. This paper presents a model for the sustainable provision of STEM problem based learning opportunities in South African schools. The presented model is based on a two-team mentoring model which makes problem based learning sustainable in a South African school environments. The Shell Eco Marathon is in its third year, and the students that have passed through the program will now be progressing to university. The impact of this program, therefore, will be become evident by the success of the students' studies in the near future.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEducation and Globalization
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791850572
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
EventASME 2016 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2016 - Phoenix, United States
Duration: 11 Nov 201617 Nov 2016

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume5

Conference

ConferenceASME 2016 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period11/11/1617/11/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering

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