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Using the Delphi Method to Understand Convergent and Divergent Perspectives of PBL Experts and Engineering Faculty in Aerospace Engineering

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Title: Using the Delphi Method to Understand Convergent and Divergent Perspectives of PBL Experts and Engineering Faculty in Aerospace Engineering
Language: English
Authors: Andrew Olewnik, Laine Schrewe, Scott Ferguson
Source: Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education. 2025 13(1):95-129.
Availability: Aalborg University Press. Skjernvej 4A, 2.sal, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark. Web site: http://journals.aau.dk/index.php/pbl
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 35
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Delphi Technique, Expertise, Problem Based Learning, Engineering Education, Aerospace Education, Introductory Courses, Design, Program Implementation, Barriers, Problem Solving
ISSN: 2246-0918
Abstract: Problem based learning (PBL), though recognized as beneficial to student development, faces implementation challenges in engineering education. We conducted a Delphi study with PBL and (aerospace) engineering domain experts to understand challenges around learning outcomes, problem design, facilitation, and assessment. The context for the study was an introductory aerospace engineering course, transitioning from a traditional lecture to a PBL format. We found consensus among both expert groups as it relates to ideas about learning outcomes. However, with respect to problem design and facilitation, we observed a slower and more contentious convergence, with some ideas failing to reach consensus. From this, four salient issues emerged as potential barriers to PBL implementation that supports students in important aspects of their professional development: problem framing, making relevant connections to society, a deficit view of students, and discomfort with facilitation. Implications related to these issues are discussed, with consideration given to complications stemming from the isolated, individual-course implementations of PBL commonly found in practice.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1492558
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: Using the Delphi Method to Understand Convergent and Divergent Perspectives of PBL Experts and Engineering Faculty in Aerospace Engineering
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Problem+Based+Learning+in+Higher+Education%22"><i>Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education</i></searchLink>. 2025 13(1):95-129.
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  Data: Aalborg University Press. Skjernvej 4A, 2.sal, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark. Web site: http://journals.aau.dk/index.php/pbl
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  Data: Problem based learning (PBL), though recognized as beneficial to student development, faces implementation challenges in engineering education. We conducted a Delphi study with PBL and (aerospace) engineering domain experts to understand challenges around learning outcomes, problem design, facilitation, and assessment. The context for the study was an introductory aerospace engineering course, transitioning from a traditional lecture to a PBL format. We found consensus among both expert groups as it relates to ideas about learning outcomes. However, with respect to problem design and facilitation, we observed a slower and more contentious convergence, with some ideas failing to reach consensus. From this, four salient issues emerged as potential barriers to PBL implementation that supports students in important aspects of their professional development: problem framing, making relevant connections to society, a deficit view of students, and discomfort with facilitation. Implications related to these issues are discussed, with consideration given to complications stemming from the isolated, individual-course implementations of PBL commonly found in practice.
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      – Text: English
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      Pagination:
        PageCount: 35
        StartPage: 95
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Delphi Technique
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Expertise
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Problem Based Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Engineering Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Aerospace Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Introductory Courses
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      – SubjectFull: Design
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Program Implementation
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      – SubjectFull: Barriers
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      – SubjectFull: Problem Solving
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Using the Delphi Method to Understand Convergent and Divergent Perspectives of PBL Experts and Engineering Faculty in Aerospace Engineering
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              Type: published
              Y: 2025
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