The Multidisciplinary Project to Promote Story-Based Learning and Soft Skills: Integrating Biology, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Study

Abstract

Story-based learning is the Engineering Science Classroom of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (ESC-KMUTT) curriculum promoting high school students to learn through “stories” by which all learning topics are interwoven and integrated. For applying knowledge, the multidisciplinary project called “Ecobox” was created by integrating ecosystem, computer programming, engineering drawing and mathematical modeling topics. Our previous research indicated that this project could enhance the student’s soft skills. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find out how and why ecobox project could promote students’ soft skills such as teamwork skills, problem-solving skills, criticism and creativity. Data was collected from 45 questionnaires, 12 open-ended questions and model evaluation. The participants were 10th grade students from 3 classrooms (n=70). The result found that 12 groups of student in 3 classrooms accomplished to create ecobox models during one month. In term of teamwork skills, the most of students had found that working in an ecobox team made them more respect and listen to friend’s opinion (4.43±0.65) while mean value of team conflict was low (2.70±1.14). For problem-solving, work as part of a team helped students to solve problems better (4.25±0.77). For criticism, working in teams could increase the use of critical thinking (4.29±0.84). For creativity, the ecobox project helped students to know how to use creativity when constructed ecobox model and increase the creative problem solving (4.06±0.80). The finding of this study could bring more understanding on nurturing students’ soft skills using multidisciplinary project.

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Author Information
Jintana Wongta, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Nion Vinarukwong, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Ekapong Hirunsirisawat, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Kitsada Doungjitjaroen, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Sukanyapat Dokkhularb, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand

• Category: ACEID2018, Uncategorised

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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