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Exploring Undergraduate Student Engagement and Motivation through Project-Based Learning: A Case Study at ACLEDA University of Business

Bun Khem

ACLEDA University of Business

Pisith Hok

ACLEDA University of Business

Rattanak Rath

ACLEDA University of Business

Chanrey Pang

ACLEDA University of Business

Sinit To

ACLEDA University of Business

ISSN: 3078-3771 (Print)

Keywords: Project-Based Learning, Student Engagement, Engagement theory, Motivation

Published: 2025-10-10

How to Cite in APA Style: Khem.B., Hok.P., Rath.R., Pang.C., & To.S. (2025). Exploring undergraduate student and motivation through project-based learning: a case study at ACLEDA University of Business. AUB Research Series, Vol 4, 145–169.

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Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) techniques on undergraduate student engagement and motivation at ACLEDA University of Business (AUB). Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved a survey with 91 students and used semi-structured interviews with 20 key participants. Four PBL techniques– book reviews, role-play interviews, debate activities, and research proposals– were implemented to assess their influence on student engagement. The findings indicate that PBL significantly enhances student engagement by providing real-world context, fostering collaboration, and promoting learner autonomy. Qualitative data further reveal improvements of students’ critical thinking, communication, confidence, and teamwork skills. The study concludes that PBL is an effective pedagogical strategy for improving student participation and motivation in higher education settings.

Authors' Biography

Bun Khem is currently Head of Department of Law, Faculty of Law and Economics, ACLEDA University of Business (AUB). He has obtained Master of Arts in Indian Philosophy and Religion at Banaras Hindu University, India; and Master of Arts in Public Administration at Magadh University, India and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Banaras Hindu University, India. He has extensive experience in teaching at higher education institutions both public and private sectors such as Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, and Saint John Mary Vianney Major Seminary (Phnom Penh).

Pisith Hok has obtained a Master degree of Finance and Business Economics from the University of Adelaide, Australia. He also has had a strong educational background from Cambodia, including a Bachelor of Arts in English (TEFL-Teaching English as a Foreign Language), a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, a Certificate of Teacher with Higher Education Degree (CTHED) in English and Educational Psychology and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Banking. He has extensive experience of more than 18 years in the educational field, from ESL teaching to tertiary lecturing at various institutes and universities, mostly Accounting, Finance, Banking and Economics subjects. In addition to his teaching, he also has had more than 4-year practical experience in Accounting and Finance work, including more than 2 years of employment in public accounting at the Provincial Treasury and about 2 years in budgeting at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. He is a qualified tertiary educator with a Professional Certificate in Pedagogy, endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and with expertise in the development of the curriculum of Accounting, Finance and Banking, Economics, and other majors, both at undergraduate and graduate levels. He has been working for the ACLEDA University of Business (AUB) since 2016, starting as a Consultant to an Assistant Professor and to a Technical Team Leader. He is currently a Dean of Faculty of Law and Economics (FLE).

Rattanak Rath boasts a highly impressive career in both education and business, bringing a wealth of experience to his current position as Vice President and Chief Academic Affairs at ACLEDA University of Business. He holds a distinguished academic background, with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from the Royal University of Law and Economics, complemented by a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from the National Institute of Management. His dedication to professional development is further evidenced by numerous courses in local and International such as Microfinance Management, Training of Trainers programs, and specialized training in areas like Curriculum Design and Development, Learning Outcome Linking, Teaching and Assessment, Results-Based Planning and M&E Framework, and Risk Management. He has also pursued further training in Effective CEO Management, Outcome-Based Education Curriculum, Implementation of Internal Quality Assurance in Higher Education Institutions, Tracer Studies, and the PDCA cycle of Outcome-Based Education (OBE). Additionally, he has completed programs offered by the National Institute of Education, including Pedagogy and Methodology for general education. His professional trajectory demonstrates a consistent commitment to the education sector. He commenced his journey at ACLEDA Bank Plc., where he rose to the position of Vice President and Branch Manager, showcasing his leadership and business acumen. In 2010, he transitioned fully to the education sector, holding various key positions at ACLEDA Institute of Business. These included Head of Marketing & Communication office, Head of Department of Foundation year and Business Administration, and most recently, Deputy Managing Director and Chief of Academic Affairs. His extensive experience in higher education, combined with his strong academic foundation and dedication to professional development, positions him as an exceptional leader capable to contribute of shaping ACLEDA University of Business' future.

Chanrey Pang is a Lecturer at the Department of Business Economics in Faculty of Law and Economics at ACLEDA University of Business (AUB). She received a Bachelor degree in Science, Majoring in Mathematics at Royal University of Phnom Penh in 2014 and Master degree of Economics at National University of Management in 2021. She has been lecturing some courses: Principles of Economics, Statistics for Business and Economics, Quantitative Analysis for Management. Before presenting at AUB, she had been an English teacher at Sovannaphumi School for four years. After that, at the early of 2014, she had moved to Zaman International School for a position as Teacher Assistant and worked there until 2015. In late 2015, she was employed by ACLEDA Bank plc., as a cashier, and had been working there for three years and was promoted to be a Lecturer at AUB in 2018 until present.

Sinit To has joined the Faculty of Law and Economics and worked as a lecturer of Business at ACLEDA University of Business (AUB), since January 2022. He is presently working in a Department of Supply Chain Management and Logistics (DSL). He has been lecturing a wide range of courses including Introduction Business, Principles of Marketing, Global Marketing, Doing Business in Digital Era, and other courses related to business disciplines. He had previously worked at NathThananmanpower. Co., Ltd., in a position of an Administrative Manager in Chonburi City, Thailand in 2017. In 2019, he moved to work as an Assistant Director of Administration at Paññásástra University of Cambodia (PUC). Before he had joined AUB, he worked with an NGO as an Oral Interpreter and worked as a Part-time Lecturer at several universities. In 2010-2014, he has successfully completed a Bachelor’s Degree of English Literature in the major of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) at Cambodia International Cooperation Institute (CICI). In 2016-2018, he also has successfully completed a Master’s Degree of Business Administration International Program at Bangkok University (BU), Thailand.

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