The Way Forward for the School of Engineering

Written by: Farah Jasmine bt Abdul Jamel,
Lecturer, School of Engineering

KDU now is a University College. We are now moving forward and so is the School Of Engineering .We are going for a fresher look.

Flowing in that direction, on 19 November 2010, we invited Prof. Ir. Dr. Ramesh Singh to share his expertise with the School Of Engineering on Outcome Based Education(OBE).

Prof Ir. Dr Ramesh Singh

Prof Ir. Dr Ramesh Singh is currently the Director of the Research Management Centre and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Tenaga Nasional. He is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer registered with the Engineering Council UK, a Professional Engineer registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia and Fellow of two prominent societies; the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, UK and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia. He is also an active panel member of the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) and has been since 2006. Getting ‘further insight’ information from an experience person like him has motivated the engineering team towards achieving our new goal.

Traditional Education (TE) vs. Outcome based Education (OBE)

The Malaysian education system has always adopted the Traditional Education (TE) approach. The term ‘spoon-feeding’ education has become synonymous with our education system. This approach has been proven to produce graduates who do not meet expectations or standards, upon commencing work in the industry. Lacking in soft skills, they are also unable to work independently, and they aren’t creative enough to provide engineering solutions. This is where OBE comes in. It’s a more innovative teaching and assessment approach where methods such as problem-based learning, project-based learning, case studies which includes literature searches, group projects and oral presentations are adopted.

OBE improves communication skills to be industry relevant

The differentiating factor - Outcome based Education (OBE) Approach

Typically in TE, the curriculum is controlled by the academic year, where educators were under pressure to complete the syllabus at specified periods . They were forced to cover topic by topic regardless whether the students have mastered previous topics. This method encourages students to memorise, hence understanding the teaching material is found to be lacking. Instead of being industry-relevant, they have to re-learn to solve engineering problems and engineering designs. With OBE, it takes into account an integrated approach on knowledge, where related topics are presented and taught together. Other than creating an opportunity to work together efficiently as a team, it also encourages students to learn in groups. Group collaboration and empowerment would be achieved by subsequently creating a team working environment to enhance communication and soft skills of both the students and the educators.

Project-based learning in a team working environment

Besides which, the OBE approach also provides room for critical thinking for students. and Tests and examination questions are open ended, thus encouraging creative and analytical thinking in the writing of reports and assignments. As you can see, OBE is done based on goals. A set of specific outcomes influences the curriculum outlines. These outcomes are then delivered to the students, and they will think for themselves as they take responsibility of their learning; by assessing themselves , others and by constructing a deeper meaning in the discovery of knowledge. This provides continuous self assessment hence providing continuous self improvement until the level of achievement desired is achieved.

Inspiration and Imagination

OBE is relevant in this new century. Its reverse engineering approach ensures meeting the target. As Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination Is More Important Than Knowledge.” Going towards OBE, the School of Engineering (SOE) of KDU University College will create imaginative, innovative and inspired engineering graduates empowered with the ability to think and to solve problems. The vision of the School of Engineering under the leadership of Dr. Satesh Namasivayam (Head, SOE) will drive in this new direction in the best interest of our students, our school, our university college and our nation.

“Engineering – Inspired Innovation”

Dr. Satesh Namasivayam (Head,SOE):" We want to empower students
to think creatively, innovatively and to be competent to solve problems."