Multidisciplinary Problem-Based Learning (MPBL) Approach in Undergraduate Programs

In the 21st century, education is about training graduates with a variety of competencies and reducing the gap between the classroom and the real-world environment via professional practice and simulating a work environment in the curriculum. In this paper, the authors explore the pedagogical benefits of implementing multidisciplinary open-ended research-based projects in an undergraduate curriculum to improve students’ understanding of the concepts and develop meta-skills. Specifically, this paper discusses how such projects could facilitate experiential learning by providing students with an opportunity to actively participate in real-world research projects that are multidisciplinary in nature. The proposed project is a typical real-world problem that draws on competencies from various disciplines. The authors’ goal is to develop deep content knowledge, foster critical thinking, engage in collaboration, and promote creativity and communication skills. Such meta-skills are a crucial component to succeed in today’s workplace. The other significant objective of this new teaching and learning methodology is to support collaborative and concurrent competency by involving students with various backgrounds working on multidisciplinary projects.