Industrial challenge assignment in curricular context

Abstract

Introduction: The development of industrial challenges in higher education classes are an interesting form of teaching and learning that may lead to the development of students’ vital skills. It contributes to the connection between context taught in the classroom with the real world, among other benefits. Objectives: Assignments to solve real problems presented by regional industrial corporations addressing production organization, production processes or productive innovation issues have been proposed, and students are requested to analyze them and seek integral technical and scientific solutions. Methods: The present paper presents data from six semesters where the assignment has been developed. Open inquiries have been developed and students, companies, and teachers have been inquired to evaluate its application and results. Results: Results indicate that after some initial resistance, student’s final perception is of satisfaction and validation of the methodology adopted. Conclusions: The same opinion is shared by companies and teachers. Moreover, this type of interaction seems to have a positive impact on the university-business relationship.

Keywords

• Advanced manufacturing technologies
• Problem based learning
• Industry
• Engineering education