SINGAPORE - Nanyang Technological University has introduced a new learning format for its Renaissance Engineering Programme, where students study various disciplines such as engineering, business and liberal arts.

Students in the programme, which started in 2011, will be taught using team-based learning, similar to what is used for the undergraduates at the university's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. It allows the programme to do away with the typical lecture and tutorial format for certain modules, will tap on mobile technology such as iPads, and students will be able to learn more effectively through small group discussions.

The new format will be implemented for the new batch of students in the August intake, with 30 per cent of the curriculum involving team-based learning. The university plans to increase this to 60 per cent by 2017.

Said programme director Professor Teoh Swee Hin: "As opposed to just listening to lectures, team-based learning allows students to apply the knowledge effectively when solving engineering problems."