A project based learning tool for industry 4.0 manufacturing engineering education

Project based learning (PBL) is an educational technique where learners gain subject knowledge and learn by investigating and responding while busy doing a project or challenge. It implies learner's active involvement in a real world problem where s/he can apply, investigate, respond, and reapply the theoretical knowledge to find appropriate solutions. This paper presents some significant insights about a teaching innovation project conducted on project based learning for better understanding the manufacturing engineering module contents. First project based learning (PBL) is introduced which is followed by some review of past research work conducted on PBL, then formulation of a project problem for the students of manufacturing engineering is discussed and it ends with the analysis of the students response on the effectiveness of PBL for them to understand and learn the module contents. A majority of the students realized the effectiveness of PBL technique, and accepted better understanding of the manufacturing processes and learning enhancement. It is worth mentioning that the University of Johannesburg is a forerunner institution globally to implement, follow and encourage the fourth industrial revolution activities in teaching and research. As regards to that, it is hoped that this project would contribute to develop industry 4.0 ready engineers to cater the local and international needs.