Comparison of Hybrid Project Based Learning and Traditional Learning Techniques in Computer Science Courses

Abstract

In current educational system, traditional method of learning and Project Based Learning are two popular techniques which are widely used by technology focused institutes. Each technique has its own pros and cons. Traditional method has a positive aspect that it can be covered with in limited time and it also cover breadth of course but its negative aspect is that students cannot gets hands on experience in this methodology. On other hand, Project Based Learning gives student hands on experience by practical implementing each concept but the major drawback of PBL is that it goes into more depth which is very di cult to manage in limited semester time. To overcome these issues in both techniques, recently another technique which is called Hybrid Project Based learning (HPBL) is introduced. HPBL is modi ed form of PBL, along with course projects it also includes some short lectures which help students to give some background knowledge. In this thesis, a detailed comparison between HPBL and traditional method of learning is done. This comparison was done by applying both techniques side by side on Advance Operating Systems course of Masters of Computer Science class in National University of Science and Technology. This thesis also proposed comparison and evaluation methodology. At the end of course, results collected from student's feedback show that more than 80% of students declared HPBL as better approach. HPBL also improved student's grades by 30% as compared to previous class in which traditional learning was applied.