INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO TEACHING PROBLEM SOLVING IN ENGINEERING: COMBINING COMPUTATIONAL AND EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Problem-solving is considered as an essential skill of engineering education yet classical methods of instruction are inadequate in helping students to develop flexibly adaptive skills. The current paper suggests an integrated model that will enhance problem solving solutions in a group of undergraduate students in engineering through the use of a combination of computational models and experimental methods. Despite using simulation tools such as MATLAB and ANSYS with hand on experimentation, students will learn the theory and practical aspect, which causes an increase in cognitive flexibility and a decrease in error rate when solving problems. The experimental research was conducted in India in three institutes of engineering where the students were subjected to case-based learning enabled by digital and physical modelling methods. The important key performance indicators were correctly identifying a problem, tying the time to a solution and efficiency in collaboration. On the basis of quantitative data gathered after two academic terms, there was a significant positive change of the students in the ability of critical thinking and formulating solutions as compared to control groups trained in traditional ways. Also, the responses showed increased participation as students claimed to have improved retention and understandability. Such a two-sliced pedagogy is both educationally effective to generate better learning as well as reduces the skill gap between the industry and the academia. The results support the increased use of integrated problem-solving curriculum in engineering education and provide a point of departure to change future curricula, according to the anticipation of Industry 5.0.