Problem and project based learning (PBL) within an online engineering module: an examination of student teamwork satisfaction and attitudes

Abstract

As online learning environments become increasingly popular within engineering education, practitioners and researchers seek to enhance teaching and learning by better understanding the factors influencing students’ perceptions. This study aims to explore some of these factors by employing a multi-methods survey design, which included a Teamwork Satisfaction Scale, Online Collaborative Attitude Scale and an open-ended question. The participants are first-year engineering students (N = 94) in an online module that was developed and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The quantitative results highlight overall positive student perceptions of teamwork satisfaction and collaborative attitude in the online environment. The qualitative results identify eleven elements of successful online collaboration. The findings also highlight multiple factors which have the potential to positively impact student perceptions of collaboration in online PBL settings. Additionally, the study presents a refined Teamwork Satisfaction Scale and Collaborative Attitude Scale. However, further refinement by way of an exploratory factor analysis is recommended. © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Engineering education distance education online learning PBL student attitude student satisfaction

Index Keywords

E-learning Online learning Engineering education Education computing Students Project based learning Factor analysis Collaborative learning Computer aided instruction Online systems Engineering modules On-line engineering Online learning environment Problem- and project-based learning Student attitudes Student perceptions Student satisfaction Teaching and learning

Author Affiliations

School of Education, University of Limerick, Limerick, Munster, Ireland

School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Munster, Ireland

Funding & Acknowledgements

No funding information

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Problem and project based learning (PBL) within an online engineering module: an examination of student teamwork satisfaction and attitudes

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