Fostering Global Perspectives in Engineering Education: A Role for Global Project Team Experiences

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Computational Thinking and the Learner and Educator Experience

Abstract

Globalization has led to increased demands from employers for engineering graduates with both technical skills and soft transversal competences that can enhance their employability (ABET 2020). Educators have been exploring ways to use digital technologies to reimagine global engineering education and make it scalable and more accessible to diverse students. In response, a large university in Canada created international student team projects and utilized collaborative learning strategies to support student’s development of global perspectives and professional skills. Using a mixed method approach, students survey responses and learning artifacts were evaluated and five themes emerged: (1) intercultural awareness and understanding, (2) diversity appreciation, (3) project planning and coordination, (4) intercultural communication, and (5) social cohesion, trust, and commitment.

Authors

• Anuli Ndubuisi, University of Toronto

• Jim Slotta, University of Toronto