Engineering Classes as a Tool of Professional Navigation

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance and relevance of engineering education in the face of challenges of the modern information society, development of new technologies and knowledgeintensive industries. Attention is paid to the low level of demand for engineering professions among potential entrants, as well as to the issue of developing competencies needed for a modern engineer, taking into account the requirements of the labour market. The article describes the experience of I.N. Ulianov Chuvash State University on organizing career-guidance work with pupils of educational in-stitutions, including implementation of projects aimed at popularization of engineering education. One of such significant for the region projects is “Engineering classes”, in which senior classes schoolchildren of four leading partner-schools of the University take part. The training program includes lessons on mathematics, physics and computer sciences, reinforcing training of future entrants for getting higher engineering-technical education, as well as an elective part on solving applied engineering tasks from the following sections: electronics, robotics, mechatronics, 3D modeling, engineering graphics, and prototyping. A specific feature of the project is a broad engagement of students majoring in technical directions as tutors into the educational process when schoolchildren perform research and design work. Along with higher levels of knowledge in basic subjects for a future engineer, an active participation of schoolchildren in project activities makes it possible to develop communication skills, acquire experience of team work, which is particularly in demand by employers. The article stresses the important role of the largest industrial regional enterprises in implementing the project. These enterprises provide their production sites to explore the organization of production and professional activities of engineers, as well as participate in holding Olympiads and creative contests and provide opportunities for subsequent target training. Thus, the project «Engineering classes» makes it possible to implement the model of continuing education in a single chain «School-University-Enterprise», thereby creating preconditions for the growth of human capacity in regional high-tech enterprises.

Enhancing research skills of schoolchildren through 3D modeling

“…The findings are scientifically and methodologically complementary to the work of O. N. Vasilyeva, N. V. Konovalova [33], and N. A. Bushmeleva et. al., since they rely on specific lesson planning and corresponding systems of assignments, and principles for constructing interdisciplinary projects [13].…”

“…O. N. Vasilyeva and N. V. Konovalova describe a more holistic methodological work in engineering classes, aimed not only at gifted children with high academic results but also at schoolchildren who do not have very high achievements in basic subjects [33]. The authors prove that such classes provide an opportunity to develop the abilities and skills of technical thinking in modern schoolchildren (Engineering classes as a tool for professional navigation).…”

Using 3D Modeling to Develop Schoolchildren's Research Skills in the Process of Studying Natural Science Disciplines

“…The findings are scientifically and methodologically complementary to the work of O.N. Vasilyeva, N.V. Konovalova (Vasilieva, Konovalova, 2018), and T.V. Masharova et al since they rely on specific lesson planning and corresponding systems of assignments, and principles for constructing interdisciplinary projects (Masharova et al, 2020).…”

“…This approach is designed to benefit not only gifted students with exceptional academic performance, but also those who may not excel in traditional subjects. By implementing this holistic approach, educators can cater to a wider range of students and provide a more inclusive learning environment in engineering education (Vasilieva, Konovalova, 2018). The authors prove that such classes provide an opportunity to develop the abilities and skills of technical thinking in modern schoolchildren (Engineering classes as a tool for professional navigation).…”

“…-how to facilitate learning, increase the involvement and motivation of students (Faritov, 2019); -how to inspire schoolchildren to be creative and improve their attitude towards STEM subjects (Vasilieva, Konovalova, 2018); -how to help young people in professional self-determination (Suvorova, Mikhlyakova, 2020); -how to increase the interest and involvement of the mentors themselves (Petuchova et al, 2021).…”