A project-based learning approach for a first-year engineering course

Published in: Innovation in Engineering, Technology and Education for Competitiveness and Prosperity: Proceedings of the 11th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: August 14-16, 2013
Location of Conference: Cancun, Mexico
Authors: Jaime Humberto Nuñez Segovia
Sheila Katherine Lascano Farak
Iván E. Esparragoza
Refereed Paper: #247

Abstract:

The incorporation of professional competencies in the curriculum that complement the technical profile of engineers is a global trend in education. Therefore, exposing engineering students to experiences and learning environments that foster the development of professional skills as part of their formal education from the very beginning and in a consistent and effective manner must be a main task of every engineering program. The Introduction to Engineering course is a great opportunity to expose the engineering students to scenarios to start developing professional skills. However, it is evident the lack of maturity of freshmen students to address challenges and engineering projects. The aim of this work is to propose a structure for an introductory course in engineering based on competencies that provides a framework for engineering practice. This paper describes the learning areas, competencies, learning outcomes and activities that will contribute to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are crucial to prepare students to face tougher challenges. The proposed framework allows students to engage in engineering practice individually and as a team through the design and construction of a product, a process or a system. This work also involves future works on the assessment of skills for teamwork, social consciousness, ethics and project planning.