Aligning professional skills and active learning methods: an application for information and communications technology engineering. (4th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Llorens, Ariadna; Berbegal-Mirabent, Jasmina; Llinàs-Audet, Xavier
• Is Part Of: European journal of engineering education. Volume 42:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 382
• Page End: 395
• Publication Date: 2017-07-04
• Subjects: Active learning -- engineering education -- information and communications technology (ICT) -- professional skills -- market demands; Engineering -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 620.007114
• DOI: 10.1080/03043797.2016.1189880
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3797

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Engineering education is facing new challenges to effectively provide the appropriate skills to future engineering professionals according to market demands. This study proposes a model based on active learning methods, which is expected to facilitate the acquisition of the professional skills most highly valued in the information and communications technology (ICT) market. The theoretical foundations of the study are based on the specific literature on active learning methodologies. The Delphi method is used to establish the fit between learning methods and generic skills required by the ICT sector. An innovative proposition is therefore presented that groups the required skills in relation to the teaching method that best develops them. The qualitative research suggests that a combination of project-based learning and the learning contract is sufficient to ensure a satisfactory skills level for this profile of engineers.