Guest Editorial Special Issue on Transforming Engineering Education

Abstract

The transformation of engineering education is necessitated by the crucial need to develop students' transversal skills, often referred to as "21st century skills," so they can address complex, global challenges. This special issue accompanies the in-person 9th International Research Symposium for Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on the theme of transforming engineering education, which took place over June 21-23, 2023, in both campuses of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The issue features 11 papers selected through a rigorous review process, exploring various approaches and investigations aimed at facilitating the transformation of engineering education. Three themes feature frequently in the special issue, namely, PBL, first-year education, and technology integration in higher education. The guest editors suggest future studies should explore mixed methods research and comparative studies across countries and institutions. They also highlight the need for research into diversity, equity, and inclusion, interdisciplinary education, and pedagogical training for faculty. Overall, the papers in this special issue provide valuable insights and ideas for transforming engineering education, showcasing the global and local efforts being made in this field. The guest editors encourage engineering educators to learn from each other's experiences and adapt innovative solutions to their own educational contexts. The guest editors acknowledge the transformation of engineering education is a complex process, requiring time, effort, and strategic considerations; yet, this special issue demonstrates the potential for meaningful change.