Innovation and creativity in engineering design: The role of student engagement, team spirit and industry support

Abstract

A case study on innovation and creativity in engineering design instruction has been presented. The novel approach emphases on the role of student engagement, team spirit and industry support to students. This paper presented findings on student engagement, engagement styles and practical implementation of instructional method to enhance student engagement in engineering design. This approach ensures that the course is more student-centered than it was before and the students assume the responsibility for their own learning. A team teaching and learning approach was used with great emphasis on industrial involvement and student role play for a better preparation for future professional life. This new approach has allowed students to reinforce and apply subject knowledge, whilst developing key skills such as teamwork and communication. The project-based approach has been successful at improving students' engagement and sense of responsibility within a more active learning environment. The student engagement in experiential learning was very successful and highly valued by students themselves and local industry. The approach presented boosted students' confidence and demonstrated to them the industrial relevance of their design work, making a significant shift from the purely academic achievement to near professional life achievement.