A study on the project-based teaching in an undergraduate engineering course

The paper discusses the implementation of a project-based teaching programme and the experience gained in this educational approach, as well as the perceived benefits that had been achieved at the School of Engineering at Monash University, Gippsland campus, Australia. Two case studies are included: one in the mechatronics engineering stream and the other in interdisciplinary engineering with a civil engineering major stream. The paper elaborates on how the traditional teaching of a subject can be made more interesting and rewarding, as well as enhancing the life-long learning process, by utilising project-based teaching. The students' assessments on teaching and teaming indicate that the project-based approach is very effective and resulted in a high level of student satisfaction. Importantly, they can think, act and communicate well with their colleagues. The paper also discusses some considerations that should be taken into account when designing such projects for these subjects.