Towards building a framework for continuing engineering education in higher education institutions: a comparative study

Sonia Gomez-Puente*, Christopher Smith, Matias Urenda Moris, Bente Nørgaard , Hans-Ulrich Heiß , Patricia Caratozzolo, Katrina Schrey-Niemenmaa, Hanna-Rikka Myllymäki, Rigas Hadzilacos

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)
48 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Continuing engineering education (CEE) is becoming an attractive notion of continuously enhancing and upgrading the engineering skills required by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Current developments in science and technology and the challenges to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda require updating theoretical knowledge, skills, and specific practical work. Even though higher education institutions (HEIs) can provide CEE or CPD (Continuing Professional Development) within or external to degree programs, CEE focuses on training engineers as lifelong learners to meet societal and industrial needs. A comparative study was conducted among eight universities to analyse the strategies used to provide CEE services at an institutional level. This study aims to investigate approaches and practices in CEE offerings to learn lessons and adjust CEE programs and policies in the HEIs involved in this research. The study followed an adapted version of a Comparative Case Study (CSS) as a suitable framework to map the CEE strategies and approaches of the participating universities. Preliminary results indicated differences in the organisational structures, e.g., traditional courses within existing programs. At the same time, other institutions provide flexible mechanisms such as short courses, modules, or micro-credential activities leading to qualifications. Similarities are found in institutional policies aiming at developing postgraduate programs aligned to industry demands. This study reflects the importance of learning programs as resources provided by HEIs applying a framework for engineering education and the engineers’ further professional development.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2023 SEFI Annual Conference
EditorsGer Reilly, Mike Murphy, Balazs Vince Nagy, Hannu-Matti Jarvinen
PublisherEuropean Society for Engineering Education (SEFI)
Pages2085-2093
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9782873520267
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Sept 2023
EventSEFI Annual Conference 2023: Engineering Education for Sustainability - TU Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 11 Sept 202314 Sept 2023
https://www.sefi2023.eu/

Publication series

NameSEFI 2023 - 51st Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education: Engineering Education for Sustainability, Proceedings
ISSN (Electronic)3006-631X

Conference

ConferenceSEFI Annual Conference 2023: Engineering Education for Sustainability
Abbreviated titleSEFI Conference 2023
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityDublin
Period11/09/2314/09/23
Internet address

Keywords

  • continuing engineering education
  • lifelong learning
  • Comparative study
  • Comparative Study
  • Continuing Engineering Education
  • Lifelong Learning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering
  • Education

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