The process of development of competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) in undergraduate course of aeronautical engineering

Abstract

This study aims to compare the present level of development of competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) developed by students during their undergraduate course of Aeronautical Engineering in the School of Engineering of São Carlos (EESC - USP) with respect of the expectations of the market. After identifying the desired profile, the idea is to suggest enhancements to the course structure of teaching-learning and assessment methodologies distinct of currectly adopted.The taxonomy of competences to be investigated is the one proposed by the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) initiative, taking into consideration also curricular guidelines and graduates profiles of UNESCO, Ministry of Education of Brazil and EESC. In order to identify the demanded profiles, questionnaires and interviews with alumni and their managers will be applied. Appropriate methodologies for the course will be established from literature review and field study visits to institutions which adopt innovative teaching-learning and assessment models. The findings from questionnaires and interviews will be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The obtained information will be compared to the advantages and limitation of methods such as PBL (Problem Based Learning) and Keller. It is expected, as the main result, the improvement of the course of Aeronautical Engineering. (AU)