Engineering Commons^™

Problem-Based Learning Of Heuristic Methods For Decision Problems In Mathematics, Computer Science And Industrial Engineering, Felix Engelhardt, Christina Büsing, Sabrina Schmitz

Practice Papers

In a digitalized world, most processes can be formalised, measured and described mathematically. The use of analytical methods to optimise such models and decisions constitutes operational research (OR), developing new methods for a specific problem and analysing them are part of discrete optimisation (DO). However, there is limited research on OR and application driven DO in higher education. Furthermore, neither is well integrated into engineering education research.

In this work, we present a case study of an interdisciplinary Master’s course on heuristic methods in the context of OR and DO. We discuss to what extent wellestablished approaches from engineering education …

A Critical Approach To Engineering Mathematics Activities For Sustainable Development, Matheus Oliveira De Andrade, Mariam Makramalla

Practice Papers

Engineering projects are frequently experienced through the complexity of knowledge co-production between experts and local communities. This involves an ability to work critically and creatively within unfamiliar epistemologies, drawing from quantitative, social and scientific methods to realise high-impact solutions. In this work-in-progress paper, we put forward a prototype for a case-control study aiming to evaluate student buy-in and learning outcomes for a cross-cultural implementation of critical mathematics approaches contextualised by sustainability challenges. We outline and discuss aspects of mathematical modelling activities that can scaffold an environment where human subjectivity amplifies the quality and relevance of quantitative arguments. As proof-of-concept, we …

Exploring The Impact Of Problem-Based Learning On Student Learning Outcomes: Findings From The Pbl South Asia Project, Andrius Jurelionis, Gintare Stankeviciute, Avinash Dhital, Ellen Van Andel, Julia Sundman, Laura Stasiuliene, Shakuntala Acharya, Riina Subra

Practice Papers

This paper presents the results of surveys conducted among students and teachers / mentors in Nepal, Bhutan, and India, regarding the impact of implementing Problembased learning (PBL) methodology in engineering and multidisciplinary projects. The surveys were carried out under the Erasmus+ funded project, "Strengthening Problembased learning in South Asian Universities" (PBL South Asia). The project aimed to address the issues of education quality, employability, and sustainable development in the region by enhancing students’ practical experience, communication skills, teamwork abilities, as well as academic knowledge through PBL-adapted courses. As a result, South Asian higher education institutions have implemented PBL courses in …

Improving Employability With A Competence Profile (Practice), Giajenthiran Velmurugan, Dennis Friedrichsen

Practice Papers

Employability has become a central focus for Higher Education Institutions. The European University Association’s report states that graduates should acquire a mix of transversal and discipline-specific skills. An educational approach known for providing students with this is Problem-Based Learning. An institution known for successful implementation of PBL is Aalborg University located in Denmark. In this paper we will look at an initiative they have recently launched to improve the employability of their engineering graduates. Employability can be defined from different perspectives. In this paper we develop a framework where employability is viewed from three different perspectives. 1) Internal values, beliefs …