Project-Based Learning in a Mechanical Engineering Course: A new proposal based on student's views

Abstract

The evolution of learning in higher education is nowadays evident. Several discussions and studies have been performed about new methodologies that can disrupt the way the classes are taught in universities. In this context, Project-Based Learning (PBL) is the most emphasized. In the Mechanical Engineering course at the University of Minho (UM), the Integration Project (IP) courses apply a PBL methodology, being these classes the differentiating element of the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering (IMME) compared with other Portuguese universities. However, even if the innovative aspect of this approach is recognized nationally, the opinions between students and Professors, about the structure and organization of this class, are still divided. In that sense, this work presents a new proposal for the IP courses in which the opinion of students and successful models implemented in international universities are considered. This study analyses the best PBL methodologies implemented in Engineering courses and presents a PBL model actually implemented at the IMME. This information is combined with the student's views obtained from a survey conducted at the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DEM), regarding the actual PBL model. Through this study, a new proposal for the IP courses is presented. This proposal intends to provide an effective answer to the necessity of the students, using successful tools and methodologies to improve the teaching and learning process in the IMME course. Through this proposal, it is expected to increase the learning process and motivation of the students making them better prepared for a productive profession.

Project-based learning: a pedagogical adaptation for socio-organizational innovation and development

“…Por su parte, Zorrilla-Pacheco et al (2022), rescatan el mérito del ABP como una estrategia de enseñanzaaprendizaje, mediante la cual los estudiantes protagonizan su propio estudio. Este enfoque les permite desarrollar un proyecto como vía para aplicar los conocimientos adquiridos sobre un producto o proceso particular (Almulla, 2020;Amaral et al, 2021;Barbosa et al, 2022). Al mismo tiempo, ponen en práctica el sistema conceptual provisto y de esta forma pueden resolver problemas reales, determinados estos por el contexto en el cual se ubican (Barquero, 2020).…”

Spatial visualization for development of visual thinking and cognitive abilities among mechanical engineering students through tool design ideation

“…Another aspect is that, active project-based learning 16 is the key to the success of students, by preparing them for their future professional life. Project-based learning 17 hones the students' skills by crossing across the barriers of the functional departments and truly makes them to be prepared by improving their ability to tackle the real-time technical problems, which they encounter in their professional life.…”

Development of a Mechanisms Kit for hands-on learning for Mechanical Design Engineering Courses

“…Universities and professors are actively exploring innovative teaching techniques to equip students with the necessary skills to become highly qualified professionals and navigate a complex and ever-changing world. With this purpose, methods as gamification [2,3], use of mobiles in the classroom (i.e., augmented reality) [4,5], Capstone and Project-based learning [6], use of remote and virtual laboratories [7], activities at hands-on environments (i.e., Makerspaces) [8], among others, have been applied in Mechanical Engineering Courses to produce improvements in the learning outcomes. Many of these hands-on techniques and methods require specialized equipment or software with limited specific content, while others entail extended hours of class preparation, and its use applies for a single mechanism design.…”