2025: 10th International Research Symposium on Problem-Based Learning (IRSPBL 2025)

Front cover for the proceedings of the 10th International Research Symposium on Problem-Based Learning. With the title "Anchoring conversations (IRSPBL 2025)

These are the proceedings from the 10th International Research Symposium on Problem-Based Learning, held at Future Africa, Pretoria, South Africa from 17-21 November 2025. You can read more about the conference and registration here.

The proceedings cover multiple relevant topics related to conference themes, namely Pedagogical Innovations and Competency Development in PBL, Institutional Implementation and Research Perspectives in STEM Education, Technology, AI, and Digital Learning in STEM Education, Sustainability, Professional Practice, and Global Transformation, Emotions, Well-being, Collaboration, and Social Responsibility, and K12 & Vocational Education. These proceedings represent some of the newest results from research on PBL and best practices to inspire researchers and practitioners to transform their practice and their institutions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54337/irspbl-2025

Published: 14-11-2025

Full Issue

Book of Work-in-Progress

Book of Work-in-Progress

Juebei Chen, Lelanie Smith, Yasmin Belal Abouarabi, Karin Wolff, Zachary Simpson, Aida Guerra
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Book of Workshop Proposals

Book of Workshop Proposals

Juebei Chen, Lelanie Smith, Yasmin Belal Abouarabi, Karin Wolff, Zachary Simpson, Aida Guerra
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Theme 1: Pedagogical Innovations and Competency Development in PBL

Developing and Piloting a Q-study on Pedagogical Challenges in Problem- and Project-based Learning for First-year Engineering Students

Niels Erik Ruan Lyngdorf, Bettina Dahl, Dan Jiang
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The Complementary Nature of Computational Thinking and Critical Making in a Project-based Learning (PjBL) course on Design for Manufacture (DfM)

Francesco Ciriello, Tabbi Wilberforce Awotwe, Jicheng Gong, Samuel Piper, Charlotte Palmer, Ana Rubio Denniss
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Heatmapping Key Competencies STEM Students Present in PBL Environments

Euan Lindsay, Giajenthiran Velmurugan, Stine Ejsing-Duun, Antonia Scholkmann
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Defining the Supporting Roles of Facilitators in Project-Based and Work-Based Learning

Cody Mann, Darcie Christensen
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Designing Successful and Sustainable Interdisciplinary PBL in Engineering Education A Cross-case Analysis of System Projects in Practice

Lykke Brogaard Bertel , Pernille Scholdan Bertelsen, Pia Rosenquist Kruse, Ove Kjeld Andersen, Nicolai Brodersen Hansen, Markus Löchtefeld, Jens Frederik Dalsgaard Nielsen, Ulrik Nyman, Maj-Britt Quitzau, Mateus Halbe Torres, Maiken Winther, Louise Møller Haase
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The Bigger the Team, the Bigger the Dream Navigating the Madness of Leading Large-Scale Interdisciplinary Projects

Fiona Truscott, Lelanie Smith
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The WOW Project An Experiential Learning Approach to Developing Teamwork and Project Management Competencies in South African Engineering Education

Ann Lourens, Curwyn Mapaling, Nicole Truter
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How to Teach Teamwork in a PBL Curriculum

Carola Hernández Hernández, Liliana Maritza Melo Ramos
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Enhancing Student Engagement A Toolbox for Systematic PBL Implementation

Meng Yuan, Juebei Chen, Dennis Friedrichsen, Izhar Mithal Jiskani, Sara Bjørn Aaen, Xiangyun Du
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Comparing Retrospective and Pre-Post Survey Measurement of First-Year African Engineering Students’ Skill and Perception Changes through a PBL Course

Yohance Lewis, Sampson Kofi Nani, Charity Ampomah, Heather Beem
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Integrating Project-Based Learning and Cooperative Education for Future Engineers Insights and Best Practices from the Iron Range Engineering Bell Model

Yuezhou Wang, Ron Ulseth, Cody Mann
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Integrating Problem-Based Learning and Design Thinking for Sustainability A Practical Approach to Teaching Real-World Problem Solving in Undergraduate Education

Sanjay Hanji, Veeranna Yempally, Preethi Baligar, Krishnendu Jana, Avinita Gautam, Gopalkrishna Joshi
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Reflectively Mapping the Zone of Proximal Development in Industrial Engineering

Meelan Roopa, Makoena Sebatjane, Karin Wolff
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A Framework for Implementing Flexible Project-Based Learning for Computing Education in Resource-Constrained Environments A Case Study of the Namibia University of Science and Technology

Munyaradzi Maravanyika
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AAU Professional skills Lab (ProLab) Promoting Transversal Skill Development in STEM through Student Self-Selected Interdisciplinary Workshops

Nicolaj Riise Clausen, Lykke Bertel, Bente Nørgaard, Niels Erik Ruan Lyngdorf, Giajenthiran Velmurugan, Aida Olivia Pereira de Carvalho Guerra
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Theme 2: Institutional Implementation and Research Perspectives in STEM Education

A Scientometric Study of Contributions by African-affiliated Authors to Engineering Education Research Journals 2004-2023

Bill Williams, Andrew Valentine
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Keeping Research Current Using Living Literature Reviews in Educational Research

Anita Campbell, Disaapele Mogashana
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Implementing an Institutional Transformation in Science and Engineering The University of Nairobi example

Anne Nkoidila, Beatrice Ndaisi Kimuyu, David Kariuki, Thomas Ochuku Mbuya, Jackson Kivui Maalu, Jarrett Onyango Odwallo, Marc Zolver
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Experiences of the transition from a Traditional to an Integrative Project-based Curriculum

John Mitchell, Emanuela Tilley
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Towards Integrated Engineering Curricula South African Case Studies in Context with UCL’s IEP Approach

Lelanie Smith, Emanuela Tilley, John Mitchell, Bronwyn Swartz, Nicky Wolmarans, Teresa Hattingh
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Collaborative Opportunity Growing a Community around Integrated Engineering

Rebecca Bates, Emanuela Tilley, Jenna Carpenter, Susan Lord
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Theme 3: Technology, AI, and Digital Learning in STEM Education

Scalable VR Solutions for Engineering Education A Continuous Improvement Framework

Clint Alex Steed, Mia Mangaroo-Pillay, Karin Wolff
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AI-Supported Tutoring and Cognitive Learning Styles in an Engineering Mathematics Refresher Course

Gustav Potgieter, Brandt Klopper, Liezl van Dyk, Liandi van den Berg
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Rethinking Engineering Education Outcomes in the Light of Artiﬁcial Intelligence

Anné Verhoef, Willem van Niekerk, Jean du Toit, Liezl van Dyk
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Same but not The Same Describing and Shaping Meaning-making in Engineering Mathematics Problems

Matheus de Andrade, Bettina Dahl, Karin Wolff
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Deploying Multidisciplinary AI-Personas to Enhance Critical Thinking and Communication Skills in STEM Education

Liezl van Dyk, Roelof Burger, Jacoba Bührmann
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Investigating Student Engagement in Emerging Technology Career Pathways

Anthony Perry, Jonathan Lee Montoya, Krista Steele
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Design-Expert to Streamline Chemical Engineering Experimental Research and Development Mixed-Method Perspectives

Rishen Roopchund, Naadhira Seedat, Olawumi Oluwafolakemi Sadare, Kapil Moothi
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First-Year Engineering Students’ Use of Digital Technology for Learning The Role of Agency

Lilian Ganduri, Corrinne Shaw, Brandon Collier-Reed
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The ESP32 Microcontroller as a Low-cost Teaching Tool for Mechatronics

Abrie Oberholster
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Integrating Collaborative Technologies within a BIM Course for Ireland's AEC Sector Overview and Proposed Research Directions

Shannon Chance
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Building Towards Better Learning Evolution of Practical Design, Build and Test Activities in an Introductory Mechanical Engineering Design Course

Reuben Govender, Adriaan de Villiers
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Developing Student Competency in Engineering Tools Using Open-Source Software in Undergraduate Engineering Education

Cila Botha, Willem van Niekerk
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Open-ended Modelling Problems

Jessica Swenson
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Traditional to Transformative Empowering Dducation with Computational Thinking

Adri van Nieuwkerk, Prebantha Moodley
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Grasping and Shaping the Emergence of GenAI in Education Insights from a Workshop Series with Practitioners

Sofie Otto, Stine Ejsing-Duun, Lykke Brogaard Bertel
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Teaching Control Systems with Interactive MATLAB Live Scripts

Arnold Pretorius, Jamie Bok
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Theme 4: Sustainability, Professional Practice, and Global Transformation

Celebrating Refugee Innovation Shifting from Deficit to Asset-Based Engineering Perspectives

Pelumi Abiola-Oseni, Nada Alreyyes, Robyn Paul
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Work-based Learning Integrating Academia, Industry, and Community

Cody Mann, Bart Johnson, Ron Ulseth, Katherine Ulseth
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The Importance of Diverse Economic Contexts in African Student Success

Helen Inglis, Esther Matemba, Disaapele Mogashana
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Empathy and Education for Sustainable Development An Overview of Key Publications and Implications for Engineering Education

Inês Direito, Aida Guerra, Carla Ferreira, Diana Bairaktarova, Bárbara Gabriel, Robertt Valente
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Who are the Professional Engineers Participating in Continuing Engineering Education?

Bente Nørgaard, Ellen Sjoer, Christopher Smith, Patricia Caratozzolo, Sonia Gómez Puente, Katriina Schrey-Niemenmaa, Anna Overgaard Markman, Nicolaj Riise Clausen
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Exploring the Policy Landscape in Alignment to Outcome Based Education in Four East African Countries Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda

Esther Matemba, Shamim Nassar, Irene Magara, Cecile Uwimana, Yashin Brijmohan
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Assessing Mentorship of Undergraduate Students at the University of Johannesburg A Case-study

Morena William Nkomo, Katlego Lokhele, Teresa Hattingh
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The ANCHOR Framework A Holistic Approach to Transdisciplinary and Regenerative Built Environment Education

Calayde Davey
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Building a Sustainable Engineering Future The Collaborative Effort of ECSA and Academic Institutions in Reducing Attrition in the Skills Pipeline

Nonhle Tracey Sibisi, Lehlohonolo Lefalatsa, Sivuyile Jokazi, Josias Mamabolo, Ada Mukanya Dienga, Brenda Nkhumise
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Enhancing Engineering Professional Skill Development Through Industry-led Guest Lectures A Transformative Learning Approach in African Engineering Education

Vicent Rutagangibwa, Irene Magara, Comfort Musiimenta
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A Comparative Analysis of Embedding Responsible Innovation in Integrated Engineering Curricula A Case Study of Established vs Emerging Universities

Vivek Ramachandran, Rhythima Shinde, Emanuela Tilley
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Caring Pedagogies in Action Utilising Student Engagement Data to Develop Sustainable Learning Environments

Kristo Kotsi, Mian Xie, Matheus de Andrade
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Mathematics for Sustainable Development (MATH4SDG) A Capacity Building Project in Uganda and Tanzania

Bettina Dahl, Guttorm Alendal, Eunice Mureithi, John Mango
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Exploring Shared Understanding and Practices of Experiential Learning Among African Engineering Educators

Cedrick Kwuimy, Yashin Brijmohan, Precious Biyela, Michelle Maphosa, Vicent Rutagangibwa
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CREATE-ing New Perspectives A Transformative Learning Approach to Sustainability in First-Year Engineering Education

Bronwyn Swartz
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The Concept of Global Transformation Labs

Anders Rosén, Lena Gumaelius, Susanne Nilsson, Bernard Shibwabo, Eva Shayo, Moses Ismail, John Batani
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Theme 5: Emotions, Well-being, Collaboration, and Social Responsibility

Emotion Norms in Engineering Education More Diverse than Expected

Johanna Lönngren, Katerina Pia Günter, Somayeh Ebrahimi Nejad Rafsanjani, Maria Berge
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Rewiring from Within Exploring how Participation in Curriculum Development Impacts Engineering Academics Professional and Personal Well-being

Lelanie Smith, Janine Hechter, Liesel Ebersöhn, Bronwyn Swartz, Inês Direito
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Bridging Gaps in Engineering Teamwork A Literature Review through the Lens of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT)

Ranthekeng Jones Moloisane, Nicky Wolmarans
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The First Year Experience Engineering for Social Change

Naasirah Mohamed, Luvuyo Kakaza, Bronwyn Swartz, Ayesha Reiners, Suresh Ramsuroop
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Investigating Factors that Influence Faculty Learning in Service Learning

Surendra Bandi, Rohit Kandakatla, Samyuktha Penta
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Enhancing Engineering Education Through Reflective Practice in a Public University in Nigeria

Daniel Salau, Esther Osho, Olayinka Omowunmi Adewumi, Moses Olayemi
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Building Bonds The Transition from Teamwork to Friendship in Engineering Education and its Influence on the Well-being of Female Students

Sandra Cruz Moreno, Shannon Chance
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Addressing Wicked Problems Through Empathy-enhanced Design-based Team Learning Illustrating Implicit and Explicit Approach

Jan Van Maele, Diana Bairaktarova, Veerle Bloemen, Inês Direito
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Theme 6: K12 & Vocational Education

Mapping High School Science Teachers’ Approaches to STEMification An Exploratory Cross-Case Analysis

Christian Skelmose Jensen, Søren Hansen, Bettina Dahl, Emilia Jun Nielsen, Mette Møller Jeppesen, Camilla Guldborg Hundahl, Sofie Otto, Jakob Farian Krarup, Lars Bo Henriksen, Lykke Brogaard Bertel
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Working in a Problem-based Manner with Mathematics and Crafts Gives Meaning to Mathematics at Danish Vocational Schools

Bettina Dahl, Søren Hansen, Jette Schaarup, Lena Lindenskov, Frank Justesen
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Transitioning to Project-Based Learning in Data Science Education An Action Research Study at a Danish Vocational School

Nicolaj Riise Clausen, Søren Hansen, Kim Guldholt, Bjarne Poulsen, Lykke Bertel
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