The effect of Problem Based Learning on students' intrinsic motivation in the polytechnic's electrical engineering course

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Problem Based Learning (PBL) on students' intrinsic motivation in the polytechnic's electrical engineering course. This study was conducted using a single group pre-test and post-test design. Treatment involved 22 students that attended the Electrical Technology Module during their first semester. Students were divided into four heterogeneous groups, in order to experience a special design of PBL procedures. A set of questionnaires was administered both before and after treatment. Data was analyzed using a paired t-test. Results suggest that PBL afforded a small contribution to students' intrinsic motivation.