The CIVA system for engineering education

Lo, SHR (2016) The CIVA system for engineering education. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education, 44 (4). pp. 302-312. ISSN 0306-4190

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Abstract

Engineering education in higher education is facing multiple and significant challenges due to the changing requirements for future professional engineers and the changing landscape of higher education. How to raise the standard and quality of engineering courses to meet the demands of the fast evolving industry and society, how to improve the employability of graduates by developing the mentality and competence of professional engineers, and how to improve the inclusiveness to maximise the benefits of widening participation and internationalisation of higher education are some key issues that need to be addressed. This paper presents an innovative system for engineering education, the CIVA (standing for Coursework-driven teaching and learning process, Integrated teaching approach, Verification and validation guided quality learning and professional development and Active support mechanism) system. The CIVA system aims to address the above mentioned key issues in engineering education and represents a new way to manage the teaching and learning process in order to achieve a high quality engineering education outcome that is characterised by high academic standard and quality, high inclusiveness and high employability. An example of implementation of the CIVA system for a structural vibration unit is provided for illustration. Furthermore, the CIVA system provides a framework in engineering education that is responsive and customisable to the requirements of both the learners and the employers. With further development, the CIVA system is promising to make a significant contribution to modernising engineering education.