Deepening technical knowledge and skills in real world environments is vital to the development of engineering students who are both confident and realistic in their engineering ability. Technical development includes fundamental engineering, science, and math principles as well as gaining the ability to problem solve and work efficiently. While on-site, students gained valuable technical skills and an increased confidence in their engineering ability. Technical development, as defined here, also includes an increased confidence in engineering ability, a stronger sense of engineering identity, and the application of classroom learning to real world problems. Students also often encountered obstacles and decisions that required creative problem solving. Further, the acceptance of ambiguous information, the ability to work with limited resources, and making informed decisions deepened the students’ understanding of the reality of working as an engineer in the real world. The following objectives encompass these specific components.
Components of Technical Development
- Develop confidence in engineering ability
- Use problem solving skills
- Apply classroom learning (math, engineering, and science fundamentals)
- Accept ambiguous information
- Work with limited resources
Technical Development Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Understand technical concepts encountered in international development projects.
- Evaluate benefits and consequences of various potential technical designs/solutions.
- Apply technical knowledge to develop designs that meet project goals.
- Determine which technical design is appropriate for the project context and relay their reasoning.
- Adapt and modify technical knowledge in relation to the project context.
- Assess the effectiveness of the chosen design.