2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Exploring problem scoping approaches: A study of third-year engineering students

Presented at ERM WIP V: Assessing & Developing Competencies in Engineering Education

This work-in-progress (WIP) evidence-based practice paper examines problem scoping as a critical early stage in the engineering design process. The study analyses reflection journals from 14 third-year material science and engineering students using a qualitative, inductive approach. Results identify four key aspects of problem scoping: (a) gathering information about clients, problem context, and the designers themselves; (b) setting goals based on gathered data; (c) developing solutions using divergent, convergent, and logical thinking; and (d) evaluating and managing design outcomes by reflecting on solutions by envisioning outcomes or creating backup plans. Both male and female students show similar approaches. Findings contribute to understanding students’ problem-scoping processes and highlight opportunities for future research into engineering design education.

Authors

Ms. Ting Jun Lin Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) [biography]

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1526-3968
Dr. Ibrahim H. Yeter http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0175-2306 Nanyang Technological University [biography]

Ibrahim H. Yeter, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Education (NIE) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. He is an affiliated faculty member of the NTU Centre for Research and Development in Learning (CRADLE) and the NTU Institute for Science and Technology for Humanity (NISTH). Dr. Yeter serves as the Director of the World MOON Project and holds editorial roles as Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Education and Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning. He is also the upcoming Program Chair-Elect of the PCEE Division at ASEE. His current research interests include STEM+C education, specifically artificial intelligence literacy, computational thinking, and engineering.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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