Bandar Seri Begawan - "Problem-Based learning is now a very popular teaching delivery method as it encourages the students to be active participants in their acquisition of knowledge and skills. The teacher plays the role of facilitator guiding the students to find solutions to real-world problems."

This was highlighted by Awang Alias bin Haji Abu Bakar, SEAMEO VOCTECH Centre Director, during the launching of the "Problem-Based Learning using Computer-Based Business Simulation" course. Twenty-two participants comprising teachers from public and private schools as well as officials at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources attended.

The topics were delivered by Engr Dr Nazrul Anuar Nayan, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Electrical Electronics & System Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Awang Alias further added that there are many methods of authentic teaching, learning and assessment and problem-based learning using computer-based business simulation is only one of them. The business environment provided by the computer-based simulation can also be used as the context for learning competencies from other disciplines.

The Ministry of Education is promoting problem-based learning strategies as one of the preferred instructional delivery to ensure authentic teaching, learning and assessment within the school setting.

Using the computer-based model of Mogul Business simulation, the participants solved business environment problems, such as marketing, operations and financial. The participants' marketing, operations and financial decisions were rated individually or as a team and compared.

The one-day course was provided to the participants free of charge as part of the corporate social responsibility of SEAMEO VOCTECH.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin