Problem Solving and Creativity in Engineering: conclusions of a three year PBL project involving Reusable Learning Objects and Robots

Problem solving and creativity within the sciences and engineering are highlighted in current UK and European benchmark and policy statements as essential capacities. What these statements fail to do, however, is offer guidance on how these skills might be fostered, let alone how they might be assessed. This paper presents the conclusions of a three year research project to develop a dedicated problem solving and creative thinking module for first year engineering undergraduates. The project has been funded through two project grants from the UK Higher Education Academy Engineering Subject Centre. In the module, Instructional Design and Problem Based Learning (PBL) techniques have been used with Lego Mindstorm NXT robots in order to develop creative problem solving skills in a practical setting. Focus for the module has been on developing process skills and techniques as opposed to the simple methodical solving of routine problems. Cognitive abilities and problem solving process skills have been developed and mediated through the use of Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) within a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Separate RLOs have also been used to develop skills at using the robots. The research project has been additionally informed by a parallel interview project investigating the perceptions of novice and professional engineers towards problem solving and creativity within engineering. In total, fifty-three semistructured interviews have been undertaken with engineering undergraduates and academics at three UK universities, alongside those with practicing professional engineers. Analysis of the interviews has been in the form of a phenomenographic study in order to form outcome spaces for comparison and comment. Student feedback through on-line questionnaires, focus groups, classroom-based observation and interviews indicates that the module, and its means of delivery, has been successful in improving creative problems solving skills. It also highlights the value of developing cognitive and process skills within a practical and motivational environment. Index Terms  Creativity, Phenomenography, Problem Based Learning, Problem Solving,