Title:
Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking Applied to the Improvement of Teaching and Learning in Electrical Engineering [Download]Authors:
Jalberth F. Araújo, Edivaldo G. dos Santos Júnior, Tarso V. Ferreira, Henrique D. Silva
Index Terms:
Abstract:
Traditional engineering education, centered on the instructor and lecture-based classes, ensures a solid scientific foundation but does not fully develop the cognitive skills required to meet contemporary challenges and labor market demands. To address the needs of the 21st century, it is essential to rethink teaching methodologies by incorporating digital, social, and cognitive skills, especially in the context of the Fifth Industrial Revolution. This work proposes an active methodology based on Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking, applied to electrical engineering education. The methodology aims to make students the protagonists of their learning process, fostering the development of both technical and interpersonal skills through the resolution of real-world problems. The methodology was implemented in two core courses in the Electrical Engineering curriculum, where student teams developed practical solutions to everyday problems by integrating course content with knowledge from other areas. The results show an average increase of 7.57% in the pass rate for the courses in which the methodology was applied. Moreover, 63.6% of students reported significant changes in their learning approach, contributing to improved academic performance. There was also an average increase of 60.3% in competencies and skills demanded by the current job market. The methodology proved effective and shows potential for application in other programs, promoting student agencies, meaningful learning, and better preparation for the demands of the modern professional world.
DOI:
How to cite:
Jalberth F. Araújo, Edivaldo G. dos Santos Júnior, Tarso V. Ferreira, Henrique D. Silva, "Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking Applied to the Improvement of Teaching and Learning in Electrical Engineering", IEEE-RITA, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 108-118, Jan. 2026. doi: 10.1109/RITA.2026.3669297