A Competence-Based Approach to Sustainable Innovation Teaching: Experiences Within a New Engineering Program

2007 ◽  
Vol 129 (7) ◽  
pp. 769-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. C. McAloone
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Students ◽  
International Workshop ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Annual Conference ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Sustainable Innovation

Innovation and sustainability are two areas upon which Scandinavian countries place a great deal of attention, in order to maintain strong positions in the global market and strong welfare societies. A current movement in many engineering-related universities in Scandinavia and the rest of Europe is seeing a necessary rethinking, reorganization, and relaunch of engineering curricula. This movement is underway in response to drastically decreasing student numbers in the 1990s and early years of the current decade, and to a recognition of the need to innovate educational curricula, in order to be able to educate and deliver candidates to modern-day and future industrial companies and organizations (Heller, 2001, SEFI Annual Conference, Copenhagen, 12–14, September). The sustainability focus of many of the Scandinavian universities has often resulted in instrumental contributions to environmental agendas and methodical approaches towards environmental improvements, (Robert, 2002, The Natural Step Story: Seeding a Quiet Revolution, New Society, Gabriola Island), both through educational curricula and research programs. This paper presents an initiative from Denmark, showing new interpretations of industrial needs, research insights, educational ideas, and identification of core innovative engineering competencies. (Andreasen, McAloone, and Hansen, 2000, “On the Teaching of Product Development and Innovation,” Proceedings of International Workshop on Education for Engineering Design (EED), Pilsen,E. Eder ed., November 23-24; Munch and Jakobsen, 2005, “The Concept of Competence in Engineering Practice,” in Proceedings of Engineering Product Design Conference, Edinburgh). The new Danish Master of Science engineering program, Design and Innovation, presents a radically updated set of contents, pedagogical style, and learning goals for the education of engineers. The articulation of this new curriculum points to new roles and identities for the professionalism of synthesis and innovation, including a strong focus on sustainable innovation. By focusing particularly on the Design and Innovation program’s fifth semester, which is entitled Innovation for Sustainability, the efforts we have made to renew the educational approach and contents in our engineering teaching will be shown in this paper. This semester has been the object of a research exercise, to affect and observe various approaches to the teaching of design. Particular attention will be paid in this case to competencies, both initiated in the teaching and evaluated in the students’ interpretation of the theoretical contents. The lessons learned from the first 3 years of this semester’s application and teaching to approximately 55 students per year are presented and discussed. After introducing the motivation and background for establishing the education program, the consideration of competence-based education is described, in the context of design engineering. The whole focus on competencies is central to the ambition of nurturing an innovative approach to sustainability, as described in the case, which focused on relating the contents, context, and responsibilities connected to engineering for sustainability. The two course-modules described in the case are analyzed in terms of four views of competency, to enable a discussion of the merits of training competencies in engineering students, rather than just skills.

scholarly journals Rijeka as a socialist port: Insights from Jugolinija's early years, 1947-1960

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-208
Author(s):  
Brigitte Le Normand
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Foreign Currency ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Early Years ◽  
The Political ◽  
State Socialism ◽  
Privileged Access ◽  
Shipping Line ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

To understand the distinctiveness of ports under state socialism, it is necessary to shift the focus from the built environment to flows of people, goods, knowledge and capital. In so doing, this article examines the operation of Yugoslavia's main shipping line, Jugolinija, from its inception in 1947 until 1960. This enterprise was based in the port of Rijeka, with both firm and port experiencing rapid growth during this period. The impact of state socialism can be seen in the primacy of the political over the profitability of the firm, with Jugolinija used to advance Yugoslavia's foreign trade and foreign policy, its interests being subordinated to the project of building self-managed socialism. It can also be seen in the unique challenges posed by having to operate at the intersection of the global market and a highly regulated economy – a situation that also created opportunities for the firm as a whole, as well as for its employees, who had access to foreign currency, travel and knowledge of the world. Jugolinija's privileged access to the world in what was still very much a closed society also created opportunities for ‘leaks’ of personnel and goods. Finally, socialist ideology left its imprint on Jugolinija's operations and shaped the ways in which its employees understood their work and the place of the firm within the Yugoslav economy. While it is tempting to see state socialism as ‘getting in the way’ of Jugolinija's business, in actuality the firm was remarkably successful both at operating within the Yugoslav socialist state framework, and capitalizing on the opportunities provided by access to the global market. Jugolinija's employees, in turn, profited from the mobility that came with working for the firm, sometimes at the expense of the enterprise and the state.

scholarly journals Establishing a postgraduate programme in nutritional epidemiology to strengthen resource capacity, academic leadership and research in the democratic republic of Congo

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mapatano Mala Ali ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Vaughn John ◽  
Anne Hatløy ◽  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Academic Leadership ◽  
Nutritional Epidemiology ◽  
Rural Site ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Health And Nutrition

Abstract Background Low- and Middle-income countries (LMIC) face considerable health and nutrition challenges, many of which can be addressed through strong academic leadership and robust research translated into evidence-based practice. A North-South-South partnership between three universities was established to implement a master’s programme in nutritional epidemiology at the Kinshasa School of Public Health (KSPH), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The partnership aimed to develop academic leadership and research capacity in the field of nutrition in the DRC. In this article we describe the educational approach and processes used, and discuss successes, challenges, and lessons learned. Methods Self-administered questionnaires, which included both open and closed questions, were sent to all graduates and students on the master’s programme to explore students’ experiences and perceptions of all aspects of the educational programme. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, and a thematic approach was used to analyse responses to open-ended questions. Results A two-year master’s programme in Nutritional Epidemiology was established in 2014, and 40 students had graduated by 2020. Key elements included using principles of authentic learning, deployment of students for an internship at a rural residential research site, and support of selected students with bursaries. Academic staff from all partner universities participated in teaching and research supervision. The curriculum and teaching approach were well received by most students, although a number of challenges were identified. Most students reported benefits from the rural internship experience but were challenged by the isolation of the rural site, and felt unsupported by their supervisors, undermining students’ experiences and potentially the quality of the research. Financial barriers were also reported as challenges by students, even among those who received bursaries. Conclusion The partnership was successful in establishing a Master Programme in Nutritional Epidemiology increasing the number of nutrition researchers in the DRC. This approach could be used in other LMIC settings to address health and nutrition challenges.

scholarly journals Tutorials for Integrating CAD/CAM in Engineering Curricula

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
AMM Ullah ◽  
Khalifa Harib
Keyword(s):  
Machine Tools ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Natural Extension ◽  
Real Life ◽  
System Component ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Cad Cam

This article addresses the issue of educating engineering students with the knowledge and skills of Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). In particular, three carefully designed tutorials—cutting tool offsetting, tool-path generation for freeform surfaces, and the integration of advanced machine tools (e.g., hexapod-based machine tools) with solid modeling—are described. The tutorials help students gain an in-depth understanding of how the CAD/CAM-relevant hardware devices and software packages work in real-life settings. At the same time, the tutorials help students achieve the following educational outcomes: (1) an ability to apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; (2) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet the desired needs, (3) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; and (4) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools that are necessary for engineering practice. The tutorials can be modified for incorporating other contemporary issues (e.g., additive manufacturing, reverse engineering, and sustainable manufacturing), which can be delved into as a natural extension of this study.

scholarly journals Report on the Japan Association of Self-Access Learning (JASAL) 2016 Annual Conference

2016 ◽  
pp. 383-393
Author(s):  
Michael P. Lin
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Professional Organization ◽  
Annual Conference ◽  
Plenary Talk ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Poster Presentations ◽  
Oral Presentations

This article reports on the JASAL 2016 Annual Conference held on December 10, 2016 at Konan Women’s University in Kobe, Japan. JASAL (Japan Association for Self-Access Learning) is a non-profit professional organization devoted to promoting self-access learning in Japan. The conference consisted of opening remarks by JASAL president Hisako Yamashita, a plenary talk by Dr. Jo Mynard, twenty oral presentations on various self-access learning topics, twelve poster presentations, and tours of the e-space, which is a self-access center at Konan Women’s University. Ninety-five participants from over forty institutions attended. In this summary, the author reports on the day’s events, featuring select presentations on SALC design, leadership, integration into curriculum, training, and lessons learned.

scholarly journals Improving Student’s Coding Skill with Gamification Website-based Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-195
Author(s):  
Rahmat Rizal ◽  
Edi Susilo ◽  
Salhazan Nasution
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Basic Skills ◽  
Digital Products ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Time And Energy

People's dependence on digital technology has increased rapidly since the global Covid-19 pandemic. This causes the world's need for digital products and human resources to make digital products higher. Informatics Engineering Program is one of the providers of human resources who are proficient in the field of information technology. One of the basic skills that must be possessed to create digital products is programming or coding skills. The more skilled a person is at typing and understanding coding, the more complex the digital products he can create. This is why the coding ability of students in the Informatics Engineering Program must be improved. This website-based coding training program aims to improve the coding skills of Informatics Engineering students with interesting and fun gamification methods. Gamification methodology will greatly benefit student of Informatics Engineering Program in Riau University to improve his or her coding skill without consuming too much time and energy.

scholarly journals CHALLENGES IN ENGINEERING DESIGN EDUCATION: VERTICAL AND LATERAL LEARNING

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksander Czekanski ◽  
Maher Al-Dojayli ◽  
Tom Lee
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Engineering Design ◽  
Design Education ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Engineering Design Education ◽  
Advanced Analysis ◽  
Capstone Projects ◽  
Team Design

Engineering practice and design in particular have gone through several changes during the last two decades whether due to scientific achievements including the evolution in novel engineering materials, computational advancements, globalization and economic constraints as well as the strategic needs which are the drive for innovative engineering. All these factors have impacted and shaped to certain extent the educational system in North America and Canada in particular. Currently, high percentage of the engineering graduates would require extensive training in industry to be able to conduct reliable complex engineering designs supported by scientific verification and validation, understand the complete design stages and phases, and identify the economic and cultural impact on such designs. This task, however, faces great challenges without educational support in such vastly changing economy.Lots of attention has been devoted to engineering design education in the recent years to incorporate engineering design courses supported by team design projects and capstone projects. Nevertheless, the lack of integrated education system towards engineering design programs can undermine the benefits of such efforts. In this paper, observations and analysis of the challenges in engineering design are presented from both academic and industrial points of view. Furthermore, a proposed vertical and lateral engineering education program is discussed. This program is structured to cover every year of the engineering education curricula, which emphasizes on innovative thinking, design strategies, support from and integration with other technical engineering courses, the use of advanced analysis tools, team collaboration, management and leadership, multidisciplinary education and industrial involvement. Its courses have just commenced for freshmen engineering students at the newly launched Mechanical Engineering Department at the Lassonde School of Engineering, York University.

scholarly journals Experiences with inquiry-based learning in an introductory mechanics course

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devin R. Berg
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Student Response ◽  
Equilibrium Analysis ◽  
Static Equilibrium ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Engineering Technology ◽  
Student Work ◽  
Inquiry Based Learning ◽  
Technology Students ◽  
Wide Range

Inquiry-based learning is an educational approach that allows the student to take ownership over the education process by self-identifying a problem and formulating their own solution. The application of this method of teaching was explored in an introductory mechanics course taken by both engineering and engineering technology students. Students were tasked with applying the principles of fundamental static equilibrium analysis to objects found in their normal surroundings. The deliverable for this assignment consisted of a photograph of an object they found to be in static equilibrium and a short description of how the state of the object could be described mathematically. Student submissions for this task exhibited a wide range of quality and imagination. Examples of student work are presented along with discussion of lessons learned and recommendations for the use of this method in the future. The overall student response to this task was positive and thus these efforts will be expanded.

An Evaluation of Students’ Practical Intelligence and Ability to Diagnose Equipment Faults

2012 ◽  
pp. 328-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zol Bahri Razali ◽  
James Trevelyan
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Students ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Practical Intelligence ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Outcome Based Education ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Laboratory Experiences ◽  
Intelligence Scores

Empirical studies suggest that practical intelligence acquired in engineering laboratories is valuable in engineering practice and could also be a useful learning outcome that is a result from a laboratory experience. To prove this, the author started a project to understand further about the practical learning outcomes from traditional laboratory classes. When tools used by psychologists were applied to measure practical intelligence in an electronics laboratory class, not only could a significant gain in hands-on practical intelligence be measured, but students’ ability to diagnose equipment faults could also be predicted. For the first time, therefore, the author can demonstrate that there are real advantages inherent in hands-on laboratory classes, and supported by Outcome Based Education (OBE) method, it is possible to measure this advantage. It is possible that measurements of practical intelligence may reveal new and more powerful ways for students to acquire practical knowledge. The results firstly demonstrate the ability to devise effective ways to assess the outcomes of practical intelligence acquired by engineering students from their laboratory experiences. The results from the study show that the score on practical intelligence outcomes is proportional with the outcomes of the ability in diagnosing equipment faults. Therefore, the novel results suggest that practical intelligence scores predict the ability to diagnose experiment faults for similar laboratory equipment.

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