PROBLEM BASED LEARNING (PBL) IN AVIATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM:

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM STUDENTS PERSPECTIVE

Nor Aida Abdul Rahman1,a, Ahmad Zahir Mokhtar2,b, Maria Romeli3, c
1

Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Institute of Aviation Technology, Dengkil, Selangor

2
Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Industrial Linkage and Partnership, Kuala Lumpur
a
b
c
noraida@miat.unikl.edu.my, azmokhtar@miat.unikl.edu.my, maria@miat.unikl.edu.my

ABSTRACT. Problem based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach that empowers learners in
multiple disciplines to conduct a research, integrate theory and practice, and apply knowledge and skills
to create a viable solution in response to a problem. The use of PBL method at the higher level education
such as Aviation Management Program could enhance students knowledge and help the students to
develop critical thinking and construct deep understanding of the subject. This is vital since the aviation
industry demand for the 7Cs candidate to fulfil their vacant. The aim of this study is to investigate how
PBL enhances students knowledge and improved students results. This study adopts a single case
study approach; three main steps in the case study protocol were followed. The first involved a review of
the literature pertaining to the themes that required further exploration, together with the development of
the interview questions. In the second step, data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 15
students and observations. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the preliminary qualitative
data. The third stage involved exploring the data until theoretical saturation had occurred. This paper
contributes to the extant literature on PBL through linking PBL in aviation study in Malaysia. The findings
also benefits educators via the novel of PBL model generated by the researcher.
Keywords: Problem based learning (PBL), Aviation Management