Development of the Transversal Competencies in Learning Factories

Abstract

Transversal competencies in engineering education enable the engineering graduates to be competitive and adaptive to address the real world industry needs. Learning factories (LF) are suitable tools for enhancing learning experiences where the core competencies and transversal competencies are applied according to different work related situations. Different accreditation agencies have identified and classified different transversal competencies according to the learning outputs of engineering education. This paper tries to identify which of the transversal competencies can be strengthened by the engineering graduates in the learning process at the LF at the stage of planning, execution, and reflection. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with instructors and students who have experience with the LF. LF provide the suitable environment to help engineering graduates to understand and develop transversal competencies – teamwork, communication, creativity and innovation, and lifelong learning – at different stages.