Reshaping Lower-Division Curriculum: Incorporation of Emerging Technical Concepts into Introductory Engineering Courses

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving landscape of engineering education, there is a growing need to effectively integrate emerging technical concepts into curricula. Fostering a deeper understanding of these contemporary ideas prepares students to meet the challenges of the ever-changing technological field and ensures their skills and knowledge align with current industry demands. This study uses tutorial-laboratories (tutorial-labs) to incorporate emerging technical concepts into introductory engineering courses. The proposed tutorial-labs combine tutorial sessions with practical laboratory work, engaging students in hands-on experiences that mirror real-world applications. Tutorial-labs allow students to draw connections between theoretical concepts and their tangible applications, reinforcing their comprehension and retention of the theory at different stages of the program. Our findings suggest that tutorial-labs can significantly enhance students’ grasp of emerging technical concepts in introductory engineering courses. While our study primarily focuses on electrical engineering, the approach and strategies can also be applied to a wider range of science and engineering disciplines, thereby potentially influencing the broader pedagogical landscape in other disciplines.