Previous studies have demonstrated that Project-Based Learning (PBL) is effective in enhancing engineering education. This study investigates the effects of integrating Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) with PBL on undergraduate students’ learning motivation and creativity in a vibration mechanics course. Vibration mechanics is a core course in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and naval architecture, focusing on abstract concepts such as vibration analysis and dynamic system behavior. A quasi-experimental design was adopted in this study. The experimental group consisted of 29 students who received IBL+PBL instruction, while the control group included 23 students who received PBL-only instruction. Regarding learning motivation, paired-sample t-test results indicated significant improvements in the experimental group in overall learning motivation, task value, and self-efficacy. Specifically, significant gains were observed in overall learning motivation (p = 0.000***), intrinsic and extrinsic goal orientation (p = 0.000***), task value (p = 0.003**), control of learning beliefs (p = 0.047*), self-efficacy (p = 0.010**), and test anxiety (p = 0.025*). In terms of creativity, the experimental group showed significant improvements in overall creativity (p = 0.000***) as well as in specific dimensions, including risk-taking (p = 0.014*), curiosity (p = 0.0003***), imagination (p = 0.005**), and challenge seeking (p = 0.046*). The contributions of this study are threefold: (1) it provides empirical evidence supporting IBL+PBL as an effective instructional strategy in engineering education; (2) it proposes a replicable course framework that integrates theoretical instruction, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning, applicable across STEM disciplines; and (3) it establishes a comprehensive evaluation framework that combines quantitative and qualitative measures to holistically assess learning outcomes.

Authors:
Shyh-Chour Huang, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Shyh-Chour Huang is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

Bookmark