FOSTERING INNOVATION IN ENERGY EDUCATION THROUGH CHALLENGE-DRIVEN EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY
J. Jayasuriya
Introduction:
The global shift toward sustainable energy demands a skilled workforce capable of addressing complex challenges. Traditional energy education often falls short in bridging theory and practice. To tackle this, we designed the course Practical Energy-Related Projects, employing the Challenge-Driven Education (CDE) framework. This pedagogical approach integrates real-world energy challenges, empowering students to develop innovative solutions while collaborating with stakeholders such as industries, municipalities, and users.
Challenge-Driven Education Framework:
CDE emphasizes active, problem-oriented learning. Students engage with authentic energy challenges requiring interdisciplinary perspectives. Forming self-organized project groups, they design solutions under my facilitation, focusing on critical thinking and practical application. Stakeholders play a pivotal role, offering challenges, feedback, and evaluating outcomes. This ensures projects address real-world needs, exposing students to industry constraints and standards.
Course Implementation:
Key elements of the course include:
1. Project Selection: Students tackle challenges like renewable energy integration or energy efficiency.
2. Teamwork: Interdisciplinary teams foster collaboration and peer learning.
3. Facilitation: I guide students in project management, creativity, and stakeholder communication.
4. Project Management Training: Tools like Gantt charts and Agile methods ensure organized execution.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Regular interaction ensures relevance and practical outputs.
Learning Outcomes and Benefits:
1. For Students:
o Technical and problem-solving skills.
o Confidence in addressing real-world issues.
o Leadership and teamwork development.
o Knowledge of sustainable energy solutions.
2. For Stakeholders:
o Innovative, evaluated energy solutions.
o Cost-effective problem-solving.
o Access to academic insights.
Challenges and Solutions:
The main challenges include aligning stakeholder expectations with academic outcomes and managing limited course duration. To address these, we established clear project milestones, frequent check-ins, and iterative solution development.
Conclusion:
CDE bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application, fostering innovation and skill development. The course benefits both students and stakeholders, contributing to sustainable energy solutions. Future iterations will incorporate advanced digital tools and international collaborations, further enhancing its impact on education and global energy challenges.
Keywords: Challenge-Driven Education, Active Learning, Project-Based Learning, Stakeholder Engagement, Energy Education.