Transforming Engineering Education: Agile Development, Accreditation and Innovative Project-Based Learning.

A benefit of attending a conference is the being able to learn about the latest developments from across the sector. Here Dr Raja Toqeer shares his experience and learning in engineering education from SEFI 2024.

Project Based Learning and the EUR-ACE Label

I recently attended the SEFI 2024 conference in EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland and let me tell you, it was an eye-opener! I walked in expecting to hear some interesting talks, but I left with a much deeper understanding of the importance of project based learning and quality assurance in engineering education, especially when it comes to something called the EUR-ACE label. If you’re not familiar with it, please don’t worry by the end of this post, you’ll know why it’s a game-changer for engineering programs across Europe and beyond.

So, What’s the EUR-ACE Label, and Why Should You Care?

Picture this: you’ve just graduated with an engineering degree, and you're ready to take on the world.

Student built fast cars are engaging!

But what if that shiny degree you’re holding isn’t recognised globally? This is where the EUR-ACE (European Accredited Engineer) label awarded by the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE) comes into play. It’s a quality stamp that guarantees that your engineering program meets rigorous European standards. Basically, it’s a big deal! Graduating from a EUR-ACE accredited program means you’ve got the skills and knowledge to work not just locally but pretty much anywhere in the world.

ENAEE has been leading the charge in making sure engineering programs meet these high standards by working with the accreditation bodies in various countries i.e., ECUK. They emphasise continuous improvement, ensuring that universities aren’t just stuck in the past but are evolving their curricula to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Project-Based Learning: Preparing Engineers for the Real World

One of the coolest things I discovered was how project-based learning (PBL) has become a core component of these high-quality engineering programs in various European Universities. My paper on the EYH/GEC Project Weeks was well received by the audiences. In a world where engineers are expected to work across borders and disciplines, PBL is like a mini crash course in real life. You get to learn by doing, which is not only more fun but also way more effective in building the kind of well-rounded engineer the job market demands. This hands-on, collaborative approach is exactly what the EUR-ACE label promotes.

Unlocking Innovation: The Future of Bioengineering

Raja on location

Another highlight was hearing about Lucca’s work on the FIBER platform, a flexible, interactive bioreactor that helps bioengineering students bridge the gap between theory and practice. Imagine having a bioreactor that’s both affordable and modular, allowing students to run multiple experiments at once without breaking the bank. It’s the kind of tool that makes learning not only hands-on but also adaptable to real-world needs.

What struck me about this project is how it’s such a perfect example of quality assurance in action. It’s not just about meeting a checklist of criteria it’s about genuinely innovating the way students learn and experiment. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving, FIBER embodies what the EUR-ACE label stands for: ensuring that students are getting the best education possible, one that prepares them for both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s innovations. 

Quality Assurance and the EUR-ACE Label: A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Quality assurance might not sound like the most thrilling topic, but trust me, it’s a big deal when it comes to engineering education. One of the workshops I co-delivered with Jose (President of ENAEE), dive deep into how universities keep their EUR-ACE accreditation up to date​. The process is pretty intense; it involves external reviews, industry partnerships, and constant monitoring to make sure the programs aren’t just coasting along but are continuously improving.

What impressed me most was how involved the stakeholders are in this process. Universities consult with students, alumni, industry professionals, and faculty to make sure the education they’re providing is relevant and up-to-date. This kind of collaboration is crucial in ensuring that engineering programs are aligned with the real-world needs of the industry. In the end, it’s all about giving students the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive and global job market.

Agile Development and Financial Investment: Engaging Students in New Ways

At the conference, I also learned about some fresh, innovative approaches to engaging students. Mark’s work on using agile development methodologies in educational projects stood out to me. By using sprint planning and reviews, students can iteratively work on complex projects, testing prototypes and learning through failure. This method helps them break down large tasks into smaller, manageable goals, a skill that’s crucial in today’s fast-paced engineering environments.

And then there was Andrius’s unique approach to peer assessment with the Financial Investment Method​. This was probably one of the most creative things I heard about at SEFI. Students are given virtual funds to “invest” in their peers' projects, making them critically evaluate which projects they believe will succeed. It’s a fantastic way to encourage entrepreneurial thinking and keep students engaged with one another’s work.

Both of these methods highlight how education is evolving to better prepare students for the real world. They’re not just being taught how to pass exams; they’re learning how to think critically, work in teams, and approach problems from multiple angles. And guess what? These are all skills that the EUR-ACE label demands from accredited programs.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Tackling the Tough Stuff

Speaking of critical thinking, Malin’s research on the challenges students face when dealing with open-ended projects really resonated with me. We’ve all been there; faced with a project that’s so ambiguous it’s hard to know where to start. Malin’s work explores how students struggle with planning, using literature, and selecting methods for data collection. These are tough skills to master, but they’re absolutely essential for any successful engineer.

The EUR-ACE label puts a lot of emphasis on these kinds of transversal skills; the soft skills that go beyond just knowing the technical stuff. Malin’s research made it clear that teaching these skills needs to be a top priority, and it was reassuring to see that many EUR-ACE accredited programs are actively working to address this gap.

Wrapping It Up: What SEFI Taught Me About the Future of Engineering Education

Attending SEFI was a powerful reminder of why Project Based Learning and Quality Assurance matters in engineering education. The EUR-ACE label is much more than just a badge of honour; it’s a signal that a program is committed to preparing students for the real world. Through innovative teaching methods like project-based learning to agile development and peer assessment, the future of engineering education is bright, hands-on, and deeply connected to the needs of the global workforce and employers.

In short, SEFI reinforced for me the importance of pushing the boundaries of traditional education, ensuring that the engineers of tomorrow are not just technically proficient but also adaptable, creative, and ready to take on the challenges of a rapidly changing world. And with the EUR-ACE label leading the way, we can be confident that we’re heading in the right direction.