A Novel Approach to Project-Based Learning: Engineering Students' Experience of Strip and Assemble Project

It is recognised that a gap exists between students' skills and work environment requirements, especially with swift technological changes. A way to bridge this divide is to provide students with authentic real-life problem-solving experiences while working in a team using Project-based learning (PBL). The current study presents a student-centred Strip and Assemble hands-on project believed to reinforce the students' soft skills, boost their confidence, and increase their employability prospects. The study aims to explore the experiences of student participants and academics who initiated the project to understand its impact and benefits. Mixed methods were used, including surveys with students, focus groups for student leaders, and interviews with academics. The participants confirmed communication and teamwork as essential skills for a graduate to thrive. According to the findings, the skills the students acquired or reinforced through the project were teamwork, effective communication, taking part in leadership, professional and ethical responsibilities, project planning and execution, ability to apply engineering principles, and solving problems. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that for outcome-based engineering education reform, the strip and assembly project be modelled for teaching and assessing soft skills in engineering programs.