Alternative Learning Approaches for Enhanced Students’ Engagement in Engineering Courses

Abstract

In the context of globalization and explosion of knowledge, engineering practices have to make a shift from mere problem solving towards more innovative solutions embedded in an array of social, economic, cultural and ethical issues.  Innovation is a key differentiator in an increasingly global economy.  The role of our engineering schools in providing human capital, necessary to meet future national needs, new orientation. Today’s learners perceive learning as a “plug and play” experience.  They want to plunge in and learn through participation and experimentation. Traditional approaches emphasize the presentation of information and consider learning as mere absorption of information.  In contrast an effective student centered learning requires different perspectives from students and the teachers.  The lecture dominated system encourages a passive learning environment, a highly compartmentalized curriculum and instills neither motivation nor skills for lifelong learning.  It leaves no time for critical thinking, creative thinking and association with reality.  Students today are active learners.  The need of the hour is knowledge construction that can be achieved through active learning strategies like discussions, role play, group work, problem based learning, and project based learning.  Students’ engagement is seen as a successful indicator of classroom instruction. It depends on the level of academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences and a supportive learning environment.  This paper reports the various faculty training programmes organized in a university environment on the use of alternative learning approaches like discussions, role play and group work and its impact on students’ engagement. Keywords: Critical thinking; Creative thinking; Active learning; Students’ engagement; Alternative learning approache