An example about Problem based learning Furthermore, I think an entire program with PBL method in engineering education would be more effective than only in one or two special courses. For example, Aalborg University in Denmark uses PBL throughout its multiple engineering programs [6]. They have a common and traditional curriculum in the first year covering mathematics, physics and computer science, etc. Then in the remaining years; projects and real problems are introduced into the classroom. The projects are updated and driven by industry every year. The evaluation results showed Aalborg graduates were strong in communication, management skill and employable by enterprises, and the Aalborg dropout rate was 20-25%, which is lower than DTU, another technology university with a traditional approach.

PBL: problem based learning Mills indicated several problems in PBL in a structural engineering course also. One of them is that engineering programs don't offer enough design chances for students, and facilitators lack practical experience. Based on my own experience, it is difficult to choose a proper problem which can emulate real-world problem in a classroom. Young teachers haven't much industry experience themselves, especially for those received teachings centered instruction before, some teachers are not used to PBL teaching. Experienced faculty have to choose problems carefully. Because the course time doesn't permit complex problems, most content of PBL is learned by students, but it is not practical if give students a "too realistic" problem. Course Hours are about 48 hours generally, and it is not new if a real project takes three months or half a year. Therefore, facilitators should choose the key problem and control the time schedule for students in PBL. It demands the professors should understand their teaching area, not only about research topics and basic knowledge, but also about real experience.

Description about my course One of my typical PBL course is an integrated environmental assessment of urban area. Our professor had cooperated with local government. According to their requirement, our class should make an environmental investigation for this city. The class divided into several groups as energy, water, waste, culture and economics group. Every group assessed one aspect of this town.For this project, we made survey and interview with officer and local residents, investigated companies and on-site infrastructure, took photos, collected data and calculated. Finally, every group made a presentation, combined the report for the local government and professor.