Project-based learning for proactive skills development of postgraduate students in solar energy building design digitalisation

Abstract

PurposeProject-based learning is one of the most effective methods of transferring academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations in higher education. However, its effectiveness is not much investigated focusing on the students' narrative. This study aims at evaluating the students' experience and perspective on adopting project-based learning in master by research and doctoral programmes for proactive skills development.Design/methodology/approachThis study evaluates the self-reflection of 10 postgraduate students and their supervisor who have participated in developing a software tool for solar photovoltaics (PV) integrated building envelope design, management and the related education.FindingsFindings reveal that the students have effectively improved their knowledge on the subject via collaborating with the industry, self-learning/observation, peer learning, problem-solving and teamwork. Dividing the project into student-led tasks has improved the decision-making and leadership skills, risks identification, planning and time management skills. The overall experience has (1) built up confidence in students, (2) enhanced their creativity and critical thinking and (3) improved their proactive skills and context knowledge.Originality/valueA clear research gap can be seen in exploring the effectiveness of project-based learning for master by research and doctoral programmes, which mainly focus on extensive research. These programmes do not necessarily focus on developing students' proactive skills, which is the main requirement if they intend to work in the construction industry. This paper addresses the above research gap by demonstrating the effectiveness of project-based learning for developing the proactive skills in a research-intensive learning environment.

The use of architectural treatments for optimal utilization of solar energy

“…The amount of carbon in the atmosphere was by the end of the year. In 1994, it increased by 4 billion tons over the previous year (Gunarathna et al, 2023). Therefore, the United Nations has been keen to encourage the exploitation of clean energy to achieve the concept of sustainability and protect our planet from extinction, as photovoltaic units collect solar energy to produce clean and sustainable electricity using solar energy, and researchers hope to increase the efficiency of solar power plants to make optimal use of solar energy to generate the required energy (Gunarathna et al, 2023).…”

“…In 1994, it increased by 4 billion tons over the previous year (Gunarathna et al, 2023). Therefore, the United Nations has been keen to encourage the exploitation of clean energy to achieve the concept of sustainability and protect our planet from extinction, as photovoltaic units collect solar energy to produce clean and sustainable electricity using solar energy, and researchers hope to increase the efficiency of solar power plants to make optimal use of solar energy to generate the required energy (Gunarathna et al, 2023). Photovoltaic panels are characterized by their flexibility and simplicity of installation, and are one of the most well-established renewable energy sources, and will have a significant impact on the transition towards a greater share of renewable energy in the global energy sector (Kabir et al, 2018).…”

Guest editorial: Embracing the future construction project lifecycle: education and training for construction 4.0

“…In another study, Gunarathna et al (2024) explain that project-based learning effectively transfers academic knowledge and skills into real-world situations. However, its effectiveness has yet to be thoroughly investigated, with a focus on the students' narrative.…”

“…The findings reveal that the students significantly enhanced their subject knowledge through industry collaboration, self-learning, peer learning, problem-solving and teamwork. Gunarathna et al (2024) have noticed improved decision-making and leadership skills, risk identification, planning and time management by dividing the project into student-led tasks. Parameswaran and Ranadewa (2024) highlight that the construction industry faces challenges in implementing lean practices due to a lack of knowledge.…”

“…However, its effectiveness has yet to be thoroughly investigated, with a focus on the students' narrative. In this study, Gunarathna et al (2024) aim to assess the student experience and perspective on implementing project-based learning in master’s programmes through research and doctoral programmes to develop proactive skills. The authors evaluate the self-reflection of 10 postgraduate students and their supervisors in developing a software tool for solar-photovoltaics-integrated building envelope design, management and related education.…”