Fostering creativity in engineering universities: Research activity and curriculum policy

Abstract

Supplying students with a good understanding of research activity tools is one of the challenges in modern technical education. The aim of this study is to develop a multipurpose technological support for shaping creative activity of students in engineering universities. The research included a survey of 150 students in the age of 18-22 majoring in Technology of Transport Processes for 1-5 years. Engineering student's research competency levels were examined at the preliminary stage. A system that allows building a general strategy of designing student's research activity within the system of higher education was developed. Professionally-oriented interdisciplinary relationships used to identify the structural elements of a relationship between objects make it possible to realize the unity of common learning goals, to make the process of learning more integral and logical. Mathematical data processing confirmed the efficiency of developed approaches. Methodology of top-level engineer's research competence and creativity formation can be useful to develop optimal curricula for engineering specialties.