Active Learning in Engineering Education: Bridging the Gap between Academic Knowledge and Industry Skills

Abstract

Traditional engineering education methods often rely heavily on lecture-based teaching, where instructors deliver content, and students passively receive information. While this approach can efficiently cover theoretical concepts, it has several significant drawbacks. First, it often fails to engage students actively, leading to reduced retention and understanding of the material. Studies show that passive learning environments can limit students' ability to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for engineering practice. Furthermore, traditional methods typically do not provide enough opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world problems, which is crucial for their professional development.