In Conversation with Dr. Xiangyun Du: Innovating Education through Problem-Based Learning

Hasti Yazdani
November 27, 2024

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Xiangyun Du, Professor and Director of Educational Change at Aalborg University and a valued member of the StudentPulse Advisory Board. With over two decades of experience in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and educational transformation, Dr. Du brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Her pioneering work across diverse educational contexts—from engineering to health sciences—aligns seamlessly with StudentPulse’s mission to drive academic quality and institutional effectiveness through data-driven feedback. Her insights are instrumental in refining our platform’s approach to academic evaluation, empowering institutions to leverage feedback that enhances both student well-being and institutional growth.

Key Insights from Our Conversation

How do you envision your expertise in innovative learning methods contributing to the development of StudentPulse?

‘’Since 2002, I’ve been focused on alternative approaches like Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning across various fields—STEM, business, health sciences, and more. My work emphasizes designing educational development that addresses diverse learning needs, which aligns with StudentPulse’s mission. I believe my background in curriculum and faculty development can help shape StudentPulse’s approach to better support students and enhance academic evaluation.’’

Can you highlight a project or research publication that closely aligns with the mission of StudentPulse?

‘’Our recent research initiatives at the UNESCO PBL Centre, which I lead, focus on fostering student well-being and persistence in studies. These initiatives align well with StudentPulse’s goal to integrate well-being and academic data to offer institutions structured feedback. By helping institutions understand both academic and personal challenges, StudentPulse provides a foundation for data-informed improvements that elevate educational quality.’’

What drew you to join our advisory board, and what are you most excited about achieving with us?

"I was drawn to StudentPulse because of its commitment to student well-being and academic success. I’m particularly excited about exploring joint projects where we can leverage StudentPulse’s technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes."

How do you see your role on the advisory board contributing to StudentPulse’s growth?

‘’My role will involve sharing current research, providing strategic feedback, and suggesting new ideas to help drive innovation. StudentPulse has a unique opportunity to use its extensive data to inform and improve institutional quality, which makes this collaboration exciting.’’

From your perspective, what trends in education should StudentPulse focus on?

"One of the most significant trends is the use of technology to empower students as proactive learners. In today’s complex world, it’s crucial for students to develop the skills to manage challenges both academically and in life, and StudentPulse is well-positioned to support this development."

How can StudentPulse ensure its long-term effectiveness and sustainability?

‘’Sustainability comes from a research-based approach. By consistently using data on academic and well-being outcomes to drive improvements, StudentPulse can create a continuous cycle of enhancement. This data-informed approach will ensure StudentPulse remains a valuable asset for institutions focused on educational quality and student success.’’

Conclusion

Dr. Xiangyun Du’s expertise in educational reform and innovative learning is a significant asset to the StudentPulse Advisory Board. Her contributions, both in terms of strategic insights and ongoing collaboration, are helping StudentPulse refine its approach to better support students and institutions. We are excited to continue working closely with Dr. Du as we strive to lead the way in academic feedback and student engagement.