Developing student teamwork and communication skills using multi-course project-based learning

As part of a restructure of the engineering programs offered by the University of Ballarat a need was identified to better develop the teamwork and communication skills of students. It is recognised inindustry that new graduates, while strong in skills such as mechanics and design, are often weak in teamwork and communication skills. A project-based learning (PBL) exercise was developed thatincorporated three first year courses being Design & Drafting, Statics, and Engineering in Practice, so that students would be exposed to a practical design-and-build project set in a team environment, while also practicing team and communication theory. The semester long project required teams of 4 to 5 students to plan, research and then build a cantilever truss while learning the advantages of teamwork.