Proceedings | Management area | Year 2013
 

Employing Computer Simulation to Problem Based Learning in Understanding Organizational Change.

by Chatchai Chatpinyakoop; Awiruth Keshagupta
  
  The 5th Asian Conference on Education in Osaka, Japan October 2013

Abstract

Problem based learning (PBL) represents a strategic learning method designed to enhance student learning through participating, learning, and knowledge-sharing within small groups. Incorporating computer simulation as an additional learning tool in PBL will enhance students’ learning experience. This paper will refresh the PBL teaching methodology especially in management education. We share evidences of a practical implementation of PBL with computer simulation for a course at a graduate management school in Thailand. Students learn how to implement and lead change in an imaginary organization while gaining knowledge as they set their own strategies to solve the problem. PBL with computer simulation fits well with Kolb’s proposition on experiential-based learning including its continual learning process. Students can learn by using problem as the driving process. They analyze with holistic view and interact with the simulation’s random feedbacks. Evidences from students reflections suggest problem based learning is effective in their learning process especially for change management.