A personalised approach to engineering education is needed, researchers say

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Researchers are finding that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to teaching engineering may not effectively meet the diverse needs of every student.

The researchers are testing the use of an adaptive learning platform (ALP) that tailors resources to each student's needs, using machine learning algorithms
The researchers are testing the use of an adaptive learning platform (ALP) that tailors resources to each student's needs, using machine learning algorithms - AdobeStock

In response, the US National Academy of Engineering listed personalised learning – instruction being tailored to the student’s individual needs – as one of its main challenges, encouraging engineering professors to develop new methods for their classrooms.

Associate professors Renee Clark and Ahmed Dallal at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, in collaboration with the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida, received a $254,966 grant from the US National Science Foundation to advance research on personalising STEM education, utilising their sophomore-level statistics and circuit classes.

“We’re aiming to promote better in-class engagement by reviewing pre-requisite content for students before class in a personalised, multiple-resources fashion,” Clark, principal investigator and associate professor of industrial engineering, said in a statement.

“To truly support student success, we need to embrace a more personalised approach that adapts to their diverse needs, rather than treating every student the same.”

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engineering education
adaptive learning platform