Problem & Case Based Learning within Engineering

Many homework problems and concepts implemented into engineering education lay the basic knowledge and stepping stones to solve more complex problems in the industry. However how often are we allowing our students to expand these basic engineering concepts and implement them to solve larger problems or real-world problems. This varies by institution but I think generating problem/case-based learning environment is vital in helping students successfully transition into their careers in industry or research.

Coming from a smaller university most of my class implemented some version of problem/case-based learning. Each class that successfully implemented this allowed my fellow students and me to challenge our knowledge and see how the concepts learned in class could be used in the field. This was normally done through an end of the semester project with varying success.

What contributed to the success of these projects, one may ask? Well for my fellow students and me a lot of the success came through how this type of project was implemented. This included if the project expectations were clearly laid out, how much conflict a project team had, how much in-class time was allocated to the project, and the guidance of the professor. A key to these projects is also listening to the students and taking feedback from them to adjust the project over time or for future classes. These problem/case based learning environments are what is necessary for the future of engineering and producing students that are ready to tackle the problems beyond homework.