Problem solving and creativity for undergraduate engineers: process or product?

Abstract

Many researchers have written about the importance and complexities of developing problem solving skills and encouraging creative thinking and activity in engineering students. Whilst research suggests that established Problem Based Learning techniques are a suitable way for developing these skills it also acknowledges continued deficiencies in encouraging process skills as opposed to products or outcomes. This paper provides highlights of this previous work, and presents findings of action research in order to develop a module to improve and encourage process skills in engineering undergraduates. Lego Mindstorm robots have been used in the module to provide suitable practical activities and to stimulate student motivation.