Breaking barriers in higher education: Implementation of cost-effective social constructivism in engineering education

Khalid, Azfar; Kazim, Tayyaba; Diaz, Katherine Regina Vasquez; Iqbal, Jamshed

Abstract

Social constructivism is considered the main driver of curriculum overhaul for the new set of learning in the digital age. Implementation of cost-effective solutions of social constructivism in higher education is a challenge. The paper circumnavigates around the principle and practice methods and implemented in a module design for robotics teaching to students from diverse academic backgrounds and familiarity levels. A gap analysis between the current practices of a generalized module design and a social constructive approach revealed the specific areas for a focussed approach to consider. Such strategies are employed in the module redesigning strategy and found cost-effective and impactful in Engineering higher education. The designed module is presented to engineering students in an integrated robotics education in the context of control, communication, sensing and biomechatronics. Multiple implemented innovations for social constructivism in different aspects of the module have not only made it a popular option among engineering students but also resulted in better engagement, student achievement, inclusivity, and resource utilization.

Citation

Khalid, A., Kazim, T., Diaz, K. R. V., & Iqbal, J. (in press). Breaking barriers in higher education: Implementation of cost-effective social constructivism in engineering education. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education, https://doi.org/10.1177/03064190231218123

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 16, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 6, 2023
• Deposit Date: Dec 15, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 19, 2023
• Journal: International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education
• Print ISSN: 0306-4190
• Electronic ISSN: 2050-4586
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03064190231218123
• Keywords: Social constructivism; Learning theories; Innovations in teaching; Engineering education; Higher education; Mechanical engineering education; Robotics education; Biomechatronics; Control education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4484611