2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Engineering work is increasingly globalized, impacting global systems from aviation to climate change. Undergraduate engineering programs frequently use international educational experiences to help students develop global skills (Jesiek, 2018). Students learn the most from these experiences when they reflect on their learning (Chwialkowska, 2020; Paige & Vande Berg, 2012; Whatley et al., 2021), a skill which is rarely emphasized in engineering classrooms. Similarly, prior research has found that engineering students struggle to connect their intercultural learning with engineering work (Davis & Knight, 2025). To address these challenges, we are developing two online training modules: 1) Reflecting on Experiential Learning; 2) Connecting Culture and Engineering. The first module teaches students about the Describe – Examine – Assess Learning (DEAL) model of reflection (Ash & Clayton, 2009) and the critical incident technique (Douglas et al., 2009) through a series of interactive reflection activities. The second module teaches students the elements of Global Engineering Competency (GEC): technical coordination, engineering cultures, and ethics, regulations, and standards (Jesiek et al., 2015). We are first outlining 3-4 learning outcomes for each module based on literature about critical reflection and GEC. We will pull related activities from existing sources (such as the GEC Scenarios Index and the Intercultural Learning Hub) and adapt them for our learning outcomes. To assess student learning, we will create quizzes and activities requiring students’ written responses. The modules will be piloted by students preparing to start a study abroad program or a co-op/internship experience. We will assess the modules based on completion time and student feedback, both collected in a short feedback survey given at the end of each module. Additionally, we will analyze written responses and quiz answers to determine if the learning outcomes are met. The results and feedback will be used to refine the modules for a larger-scale rollout. We are currently developing these modules, will pilot them early in the Spring 2026 semester, and will share them publicly via Qualtrics by Summer 2026. This paper will describe the development of learning outcomes, module activities, and results of the pilot study.