Problem Based Learning: An Experience in Computer Engineering

Following the introduction of new methodologies focused in the improvement of students outcomes. The PBL model (Problem-based learning) was applied to support the teaching and assessment on a topic of statistics in the curricular unit Computational Mathematics. The aim of the proposed approach was to enhance the student development, by improving practice in the field of education and connections between research and practice. Following these guidelines we propose a practical work using the MS Excel, as the computational support, to 394 students of the Curricular Unit of Computational Mathematics (MATCP) of the course of Informatics Engineering of the Institute of Engineering of Porto, to be done in groups under the theme "Simple Regression and Linear Correlation". In order to verify the receptivity of the students exposed to the proposed, a questionnaire was elaborated focusing on understanding and acquisition of the proposed contents method. Some conclusions were drawn.