THE INTEGRATION OF CDIO STANDARDS IN THE APPLICATION OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING AS A HANDS-ON METHODOLOGY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY CASE STUDY IN PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

Abstract

The use of active learning methodologies is being discussed more and more by higher education institutions in Brazil and in the world. Technological advances and the differentiated profile of new students are some of the reasons why many institutions are rethinking their teaching and learning processes. In this context, the use of active methodologies in engineering courses has been the subject of constant discussions and questioning by teachers and institutions.

The objective of this work is to report the experience in the application of Project Based Learning in the production engineering course of a University Center in Brazil, which allowed the integration of some CDIO Standards. The main motivation for choosing Project Based Learning was the application of interdisciplinarity and also the need to use a hands-on methodology that would put into practice the theories discussed throughout the project.

The case study presents an overview of the application of Project Based Learing through an integrative project of the 6th semester of the production engineering course that had as its theme the manufacture of orthoses that made possible integration of the disciplines in the semester, integration with the physiotherapy course of the institution. Throughout the case study the integration of some CDIO Standards is also presented. The method used to collect the data to demonstrate the students' perspective was a two-part survey: at the beginning and at the end of the development of the integrating project. The information obtained shows a greater engagement of students and improvement in the teaching and learning process. The application of new teaching and learning methodologies should be widely discussed with the teachers and coordinators of the courses, in order to first identify which competences they intend to develop and identify the methodology that best applies. The alignment and qualification of all teaching staff for the use of new methodologies in the classroom is of paramount importance and the educational institution must provide actions that contribute to the implementation of new methodologies and resources in the teaching and learning process.