Proposal for Class Improvement of Project-Based Learning to Acquire Soft Skills

Abstract

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is often implemented based on the experience and know-how of instructors. This paper has considered a method of continuous class improvement of PBL to acquire the fundamental competencies for working persons. In this method, one has to structure the success factors and the learning outcomes of PBL class. Class improvement plans are made from relationships visualized by multiple regression analysis. This research verified an effectiveness of the method by applying it a PBL class at Faculty of Business Administration and Information, Tokyo University of Science, Suwa. In order to improve the learning outcomes, two class improvement were planned, and the change of the success factors and the learning outcomes were investigated in two years. As a result, the degrees of satisfaction of the success factors changed with implementation of improvement measures, and the acquisition level of the learning outcomes changed accordingly. It was proved that continuous class improvement by improvement of the success factors of PBL is effective.