Multi Role Project (MRP) A New Project Based Learning Method for STEM
This paper presents the "Multi Role Project" method (MRP) a broadly applicable project based learning method, and describes its implementation and evaluation in the context of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) course. The MRP method is designed around a meta principle that considers the project learning activity as a role playing game based on two projects: a learning project and an engineering project. The meta principle is complemented by five principles that provide a framework to guide the working practices of student teams: distribution of responsibilities; regular interactions and solicitations within the team; anticipation and continuous improvement; positive interdependence and alternating individual/collective work; and open communication and content management. This paper presents the implementation of MRP in a course teaching software engineering, UML language, and project management. The results show that MRP helped the course's students to acquire important professional knowledge and skills, experience near real world professional realities, and develop their abilities to work both in teams and autonomously.
IEEE Transactions on Education