Future of Engineering Education: Skill Development and Outcome-Based Assessment

Under the supervision of

Hossam A. Kishawy, PhD, PENG, FASME, FCSME, FCAE, FEIC

Dean and Professor

Ontario Tech University

hossam.kishawy@ontariotechu.ca

 

The landscape of engineering education is rapidly evolving in response to technological advancements, global challenges, and shifting industry needs. As the engineering field evolves to meet the demands, engineering education must adapt to better equip students with the necessary skills and competencies. This presentation will explore the growing emphasis on skill development and Outcome-Based Education (OBE) as key components in shaping the next generation of engineers. Focusing on the mapping of traditional courses and program learning outcomes to a predefined set of graduate attributes, we will discuss how OBE provides a clear framework for aligning academic content with industry expectations and real-world challenges. The presentation will highlight the importance of a structured approach in ensuring that students acquire both technical expertise and essential soft skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. By systematically integrating these attributes into course design and assessment methods, engineering education can better prepare students to meet the evolving needs of the profession and graduate well-rounded engineers who are not only strong in the fundamentals of engineering, math, and science but also in creativity, design, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Through a focus on measurable learning outcomes, personalized learning paths, and continuous improvement, the future of engineering education promises to produce adaptable, innovative, and highly skilled graduates ready to tackle the complex challenges of tomorrow’s world.