The evolving landscape of engineering education is increasingly shaped by the need to address complex global challenges such as sustainability, climate change, and technological innovation. In response, modern pedagogical practices are incorporating interdisciplinary learning, which integrates diverse fields of knowledge and expertise to provide holistic solutions to real-world problems. This chapter explores the transformation of engineering education through the adoption of active learning strategies, gamification, collaborative industry-academia platforms, and technological integration. It highlights the importance of equipping engineering students with the skills to think critically and collaboratively, fostering innovation and adaptability in an increasingly interconnected world. By examining the role of global challenges in shaping curricula, the chapter demonstrates how the fusion of engineering with other disciplines, such as economics, environmental science, and policy, is essential for developing sustainable and impactful solutions. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity for educational institutions to align with industry trends and societal needs, ensuring that the next generation of engineers is well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape. Key concepts such as interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainable innovation, gamified learning, technological integration, industry partnerships, and global challenges are central to this evolving paradigm of engineering education.
The transformation of engineering education is increasingly becoming necessary to address the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st century [1]. Engineering, once confined to technical disciplines focused solely on design and production, now requires an integration of knowledge that spans diverse fields, including environmental science, economics, policy studies, and more [2]. Global challenges such as sustainability, climate change, resource scarcity, and rapid technological advancements call for a broader, interdisciplinary approach to education [3]. As the world grapples with complex societal issues, there is an urgent need for engineers who can not only innovate but also develop solutions that are socially responsible, economically feasible, and environmentally sustainable [4]. The changing landscape of global problems has therefore compelled universities to rethink traditional engineering curricula, incorporating interdisciplinary learning frameworks that prepare students for the real-world complexities they will encounter in their professional careers [5].
The shift towards interdisciplinary engineering education reflects a broader recognition that solving modern challenges requires collaboration across various sectors and areas of expertise [6]. Issues such as climate change or sustainable development cannot be solved by engineers alone; they require insights from fields such as economics, political science, and environmental studies [7]. By integrating these perspectives into the engineering curriculum, educational institutions are fostering a more holistic approach to problem-solving [8]. Students are not only learning technical skills but also developing an understanding of how these skills intersect with societal, environmental, and economic factors [9]. This interdisciplinary approach aims to produce graduates who are capable of working in diverse teams, addressing complex, multifaceted issues with both technical proficiency and a broad understanding of their broader implications [10].
Alongside the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge, there has been a strong emphasis on adopting active learning strategies within engineering education [11]. Active learning, which emphasizes student engagement through hands-on activities, problem-solving, and collaborative work, is increasingly becoming central to modern pedagogical practices [12]. Traditional lecture-based models, while still valuable for foundational knowledge, often fail to fully engage students or allow them to apply what they have learned in meaningful ways [13]. In contrast, active learning encourages students to take ownership of their education, apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, and develop critical thinking skills [14]. This shift is particularly significant in engineering, where students must not only understand theoretical principles but also apply them to solve complex, real-world problems. Techniques such as project-based learning, case studies, and simulations are helping bridge the gap between theory and practice, fostering deeper learning and preparing students for professional challenges [15].
