Combining laboratory-based learning with problem-based learning in undergraduate PLC course at Technical Colleges

The necessity of accomplished engineers and technicians, who are competent in handling the problems of the emerging industry, brings the conventional teaching approaches into question. Engineering technology students should be skilled to confront the technical challenges they will come across in their professional careers by using innovative teaching methods based on projects and real industrial applications. In this study, Teaching-Learning Environments for PLC Program were enhanced, as it is taught to the Electrical and Electronic department students in the Technical Colleges. The emphasis is on the content of a course unit, particularly the choice of the learning methods and its effect on the students. This complete PLC program combines laboratory-based learning with a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. It is also aimed to develop the students' practical skills and meet the requirements of the labor market. Data collected from the labor market and discussed with the academic experts guided us to set our approach, develop the program and improve the students’ practical skills. Coming into practical, we have received a lot of positive feedback from students after carrying out a survey and before determining its educational effectiveness.