The Development of Engineering Students' Analogical Reasoning

Abstract

Based on the Industry 4.0 strategy, problem-solving and, in this context, analogical reasoning has become crucial for successful placement and positioning in the labor market. Therefore, its development and monitoring is a priority. The goal of our research was to explore the development of analogical thinking in first-year engineering students who have completed their high school studies and are now starting their engineering studies. In the present study, 241 first-year engineering students of Óbuda University participated. The students enrolled in the BSc in Computer Engineering and BSc in Electrical Engineering have more advanced analytical skills and higher thinking speed. Cluster analysis was used to identify and characterize three groups.