Problem-Based Learning, Graduates' Competencies and Career Success

Problem-based learning, graduates' competencies and career success. A thesis submitted to the Master in Higher Education Research and Development, University of Kassel, Germany

The discussion of the effectiveness of Problem-based learning (PBL) in preparing student for employment has been one of the main topics in PBL research. The issue has been generating a lot of interest, debate and controversy.

This study investigated the long-term effect of the implementation of PBL to graduates' competencies and career success. The statistical analysis was based on quantitative data collected in the CHEERS study, "Careers after Higher Education: a European Research Study", a study of 11 European countries and Japan with more than 36 thousands graduates surveyed.

This study partly answered the doubt of the effectiveness of PBL curriculum in preparing students for the world of work. The result documented the effects of PBL implementation not only on graduates' competencies at the time of graduation, but also on the long term effect on graduates' career success.

Bhina Patria is an academic staff at the Faculty of Psychology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He had been active in various research projects in the International Center for Higher Education Research Kassel (INCHER-Kassel), University of Kassel, Germany from 2005-2011. He has a bachelor degree in psychology from Gadjah Mada University and a master degree in higher education research from University of Kassel. Right now he is writing his dissertation on the evaluation of Problem-based Learning (PBL) curriculum.