Enhancement of Engineering Design Competencies Through International Engineering Collaboration: A Pedagogical Approach Used in SEPT. Part 1

Abstract A recent trend in engineering education related to the expected design competencies of graduating engineers is a shift from prescribing what the design requirements of a program should include toward examining the corresponding learning outcomes. One of the approaches used in implementing this trend is the adoption of outcome-based assessment criteria in the engineering design curriculum. Graduates should be able to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering by designing systems, components and processes in learning environments that include both traditional and modern approaches, such as project-based learning, and should be able to apply their engineering design knowledge in open-ended real-life projects. The paper describes an approach to develop engineering design competencies using open-ended projects by providing detailed expected outcomes of the designed product and providing limited design specifications. Students are expected to go through all the steps of the engineering design process from defining the specifications of the designed product that addresses the expected outcomes to testing the final product. The purpose of the study is to find the engineering design competencies that are enhanced through international design collaboration.