Student Seminar an Training in Spain (CPIFP Alan Turing)

Problem-Solving Based Learning in Creativity Units

During this seminar, students from the video game specialization course actively applied innovative methods to boost creativity and critical thinking through Problem-Solving Based Learning (PBL).

The seminar was divided into two main units:

Creativity and Problem-Solving Techniques with PBL in VET

"Surviving the Apocalypse: A Post-Apocalyptic Driving Simulation"

In this unit, students designed and developed a driving simulation set in a post-apocalyptic world. They faced creative and technical challenges, applying innovative problem-solving strategies.

Creativity and Problem-Solving Techniques with PBL in VET

"Navigating the Smart City: A Mixed Reality Experience"

In this unit, students explored advanced concepts of mixed reality to create an immersive experience. They combined technology and creativity to solve complex problems related to smart city navigation.

Students not only worked on the technical aspects of each project but also applied critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and gamification techniques. This hands-on approach allowed them to experience how these methods improve essential skills in educational and professional settings.

The students’ enthusiasm and active participation were remarkable. They demonstrated their ability to solve complex challenges and showed strong commitment to the projects. Many of them expressed interest in using these techniques in future developments, recognizing the positive impact of these experiences on their learning and professional growth.

"Surviving the Apocalypse: 

A Post-Apocalyptic Driving Simulation" 

" Navigating the Smart City: 

A Mixed Reality Experience"

Students training and Artistic Rin FEPSET (Setubal-Portugal)

Introducing the CreaVET Project: Creativity and problem-solving learning in VET

A group of students from FEPSET have taken part on the training program to raise awareness and develop creativity and problem-solving skills using PBL.

Initially, some theoretical concepts were discussed and clarified and the students reflected on the importance of creativity for their vocational and future professional careers. They analysed the soft skills required in order to promote the capacity to solve complex and new problems, as well as methodologies and practices.

Beginning with the Interdisciplinary Project, the students were confronted with an initial problem that needed to be solved using such skills as critical and divergent thinking, problem-solving, cooperative working and innovation capacity, in order to generate possible solutions. They worked, both in individually and in groups to

Furthermore, in order to broaden their minds, they had in immersive experience, which combines art and innovation. They went to a gallery in Lisbon to visit the exhibition “Living Van Gogh”, where the artists’ paintings were projected on the walls of place, in an audio-visual show and, later, they were transported into his paintings with virtual reality glasses.

Teachers' Seminar at FEPSET (Setubal-Portugal)

Teachers' seminar at FEPSET: “Creativity and problem-solving with problem-based learning”

On December 16, 2024, a seminar was held for teachers on problem-based learning to leverage transversal skills. To do this, we used the classes' Interdisciplinary Projects as a basis for responding to a problem and finding a solution.

The seminar went according to plan:

î   Brainstorming for concepts’ definition: PBL; Creativity; critical thinking; Curiosity; Problem-solving

î   Debate about the importance of creativity, critical thinking  and curiosity for the learning process

î   Mental Map’s construction

î   Query: what are the advantages of promoting the problem-solving skills in students?

î   Explanation about PBL Forms

î   Examples of use of PBL in VET

î   Group formation to simulate a PBL in students form (brainstorming, solution suggestions and presentation)

It was a very productive working period, which allowed us to organise and systematise ideas, share methodologies and raise awareness on the importance of developing skills such as creativity, divergent thinking, critical thinking, collaborative work and problem-solving in teachers and students. It also allowed us to explore examples of application in real classroom contexts.

Teacher Seminar in Malaga (CPIFP Alan Turing)

Teacher Seminar in Spain (CPIFP Alan Turing)

Problem-Solving Based Learning in Creativity Units 

The teacher seminar titled "Problem Solving Based on Learning - Creativity Units" was held in Malaga on 15.01.2015. The seminar, led by project partner "CPIFP Alan Turing", covered the following topics:

1. Understanding Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

2. Unit 1 Overview

3. Applying PBL Principles in Unit 1

4. Unit 2 Overview

5. Applying PBL Principles in Unit 2

6. Connecting PBL to Creativity Units

7. Challenges and Solutions

During this seminar, teachers explored innovative teaching methods to foster creativity in students.  

The focus was on integrating Problem-Solving Based Learning into Creativity Units, such as video game development. 

 

Topics included Critical Thinking, Collaborative Problem Solving, Gamification Techniques, and the application of video games as tools for educational engagement.

The seminar also highlighted the active and attentive participation of the teaching staff, who not only engaged with the theoretical concepts but also demonstrated their commitment by completing the test included in the presentation.  

This practical component allowed them to directly experience the methodologies discussed and provided valuable insights into their application in real educational settings. 

Furthermore, the teaching staff expressed significant interest in applying, if not all, at least a substantial portion of the concepts covered during the seminar. 

 

Teachers showed enthusiasm for implementing the approach of learning through solving practical problems, recognizing its potential to enhance both student engagement and the development of critical thinking skills. 

Robotics Projects from Mazhar Zorlu MTAL School Students Showing Their Creative and Problem Solving Skills

Robotics Projects from Mazhar Zorlu MTAL  Students Showing Their Creative and Problem Solving Skills

Mazhar Zorlu MTAL school students exhibited their creative robotic designs and solutions to problems through the training they received using the problem-based learning method.

After the lessons they received on microcontrollers, the students worked with the PBL method. They produced solutions to various problems. They exhibited their robotics work to their fellow students. It was observed that the students were happy with the education they received and had a productive class period.