Learning by doing approach implementation in project management courses

Recent development of technology and access to information forces the change of teaching methods. Previously, the transfer of knowledge was the key element which determined the level of education. Today, access to the resources like digital libraries, online resources and books is common. It shall be followed by a change of academic teacher’s role. Pedagogical evolution is essential to the further development of education systems. The educational system should deliver knowledge together with skills. Particularly important is the ability to solve problems and how to practically use the knowledge gained. It is essential to develop students’ soft skills. Therefore, studies should be the basis for testing ideas, capabilities, and talents in a safe environment, where student, can you make a mistake and correct it without serious consequences. Companies require from employees experience, independence and self-reliance at the beginning of a professional career. These elements should be delivered during studies. Practical application of the idea of learning by doing in the framework of the project management course is presented in the manuscript. At the beginning of the course the theoretical basis of project management was delivered to students. In next step challenge to organize a scientific conference for students and young researchers was set. Students were responsible not only for theoretical preparation, planning, but also for the practical implementation of the project. The conference was nationwide, so pressure on the quality of the organization was huge. The students themselves also suffer the consequences of their decisions. The conference was organized before the 3 years by different groups of students, which gives the possibility to make comparisons and proper assessment of pedagogical evaluation and educational outcomes. In the manuscript the aims and objectives of the project, its framework and the results of a survey conducted for students after completing the conference are presented. This project could serve as a good example of the implementation of learning by doing and project based learning approach in engineering courses.