Experiential learning in Engineering Education

 Summary of Tembrevilla et al. (2024)

Background & Existing Knowledge
Experiential learning (EL) in engineering helps students apply theory in real-world contexts, yet its implementation and impact vary globally.

New Insights from This Study
✔ EL enriches engineering learning through authentic and simulated experiences.
✔ Curriculum shifts reflect growing emphasis on community-connected learning.
✔ The field lacks consistent theoretical grounding.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

Curricular Innovation
📌 Integrate projects, internships, and labs into early engineering courses.
📌 Encourage interdisciplinary problem-solving tasks.
📌 Blend online and physical EL methods post-COVID.

Theoretical Alignment
📌 Anchor EL in Dewey and Kolb’s philosophies.
📌 Link EL with embodied cognition and community needs.
📌 Reflect on self–school–community interdependence.

Global Adaptation
📌 Adapt EL for diverse cultural and educational contexts.
📌 Share scalable models across engineering programs.
📌 Use systematic reviews to refine EL approaches.

Conclusion
Experiential learning in engineering fosters transformative education but must be grounded in theory and context to reach full potential.

Reference
Tembrevilla, G., Phillion, A., & Zeadin, M. (2024). Experiential Learning in Engineering Education: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Engineering Education, 113, 195–218. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20575

Suggested Citation
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Experiential learning in-Engineering Education. Excellent Educator, 2(8), 4.