Interdisciplinary Approach in Engineering Education

Abstract

Abstract-The analysis of the scientific literature available on the types of general competences and their classification caused the authors to conclude that it is necessary to implement interdisciplinary approach in engineering education to develop competences necessary for engineers to make them competitive in the labour market. The attention should be paid to a professional foreign language, computer literacy and educational psychology recommendations. To improve professional foreign language skills, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) method should be integrated in the study process of engineering education. In order to develop information literacy competence, it is important to create a single e-study environment. The academic staff, developing study subjects for engineering programmes, should focus on the study content and study methods. As regards the content, the compromise should be sought between fundamental acquisition of the knowledge of the subject matter, the know-how of the application of this knowledge as well as the use of brand new software in the calculations. The paper presents the examples of the application of the interdisciplinary approach in the universities, where the authors of the paper are affiliated: the LUA (Latvia University of Agriculture) and the RTU (Riga Technical University), respectively.

Enriching Undergraduate Mathematics Curriculum with Computer Science Courses

“…They also got great pleasure and confidence when they completed the tasks. The interdisciplinary learning achieved by the refined and enriched curriculum makes students learn, practice, and accumulate various knowledge and skills in differ-ent disciplines efficiently [38] [39]. Besides, confidence, innovation, and creativities of students can be incubated during the learning activities.…”

Development Of Research Competence Of University Students During Learning Mathematics

“…Therefore, this feature of the modern world should be reflected in the training of students. For a successful future career in scientific field, a student should be able to master deeply the research methods already at the level of undergraduate program (Zeidmane & Čerņajeva, 2011). In addition, a graduate can continue his studies at a Master program, performing research work in the format of a Master thesis.…”

Didactics of Mathematics Profile of Engineering Students: A Case Study in a Multimedia Engineering Degree

“…On the one hand, the educator directs the pedagogical purpose of the tool, while the engineer adapts this objective to the available technological elements and develops a means of interaction that is accessible to the target audience. From this collaboration emerge synergies that enrich the final product while providing a solid basis for learning [6,7].…”