Engineering students' perceptions of workplace problem solving

Abstract

Research shows that workplace problems are different from traditional textbook or classroom problems because they are ill-structured and complex in nature. However it is unclear whether engineering students, who will become professionals in the workplace after graduation, understand those challenges within real world problems and possess the required competencies. Therefore in this study, we explored workplace problem solving from engineering students' perspectives. Based on the literature review, we designed a survey and sent the survey to engineering students who have participated in the Co-Op program. Analysis of the quantitative data shows that students felt they were moderately prepared to work in the Co-Op program and they developed better engineering knowledge and skills from getting involved in real world engineering. In general, students believed that workplace problem solving was more difficult and challenging than classroom problem solving in a number of aspects. ©American Society for Engineering education, 2013.