5 A problem based learning course for fostering generic skills

A problem based learning (PBL) course aimed at developing generic skills in undergraduate students is designed, and the reason behind it is offered in the context of a Chinese university and Chinese students. Detailed course information including: the real-world problem; learning events; resources needed; the assessment structure; materials used in the course; and timetable is provided along with the expected benefits for the learners. The design process for PBL based courses is also summarized for reference. Finally, further work needed for the future is outlined. The article will be useful in teaching innovatively in the higher education sector in China. Why do we need such a course? Generic skills, which include oral communication, writing, practical, team work and leadership skills, are considered essential for undergraduate students (Sheffield University 1996). Since many of these skills are an indispensable part of the lifelong learning process, some even consider them more valuable than subject matter. Despite their importance, these skills are not well covered in our university. Though generic skills are explicitly described in our curriculum (see below), they have been ignored for decades. The results are devastating. Students tend to lack confidence, and the ability to work as part of a team, have poor written and oral communication, and few practical skills. Considering that most of our students will become engineers after their graduation, the impact can be even worse. Students should be capable of information retrieval, should grasp the basic methods of information acquisition using modern information technology; they also should know experimental design, observation, data collection and results analysis, and be capable of scientific writing and academic communication