Service-Learning in engineering education: a case study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-547

Keywords:

Service Learning, pedagogical methodology, active learning, mathematical modeling, Flexsim, comprehensive training, STEM, educational innovation

Abstract

Introduction: Service-Learning (SL) is a pedagogical methodology that promotes the comprehensive education of students through community projects. It is implemented in the Complementary Course "STEM Tools for Solving Everyday Problems," within the Formative Enrichment Practice (PEF), applying Mathematics, Statistics, and Simulation to analyze problems within the university community. Methodology: The study involved 46 students, divided into three case studies, evaluating skills in a practical context beyond theoretical learning. The students employed algorithms, statistics, and mathematics, and used software for exploratory analysis and for creating 3D models, comprehending and analyzing systems more effectively. Results: The results show that SL facilitates learning outside the classroom, connects student experiences with course content, develops and articulates skills from the STEM, and enhances collaborative and interdisciplinary work based on real-life situations. Discussion: Students improve in understanding and practical application of theoretical knowledge, teamwork, and problem-solving. Conclusions: The implementation of SL in the education of engineering students allows for meaningful learning outside the classroom and fosters creativity and professional development of teachers, sharing didactic challenges and educational goals from various disciplinary approaches.

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Author Biographies

Maritza Correa Valencia, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente

Industrial Engineer from the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, she received her Master in Manufacturing Information Technology in 2006 and her PhD in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in 2010, both from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. In 2011 she joined the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente as Professor and Researcher. Her topics of interest are linked to the application of artificial intelligence and simulation to problem solving especially in the fields of Logistics, modelling and industrial process control.

Marisol Gordillo Suarez , Universidad Autónoma de Occidente

Marisol Gordillo Suárez is a statistician. She obtained her Master's degree in Systems Engineering in 2002 and her Ph.D. in Engineering in 2012, both from the Universidad del Valle. In 2012, she joined the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente as a professor and researcher. Her areas of interest include data analysis in various disciplines.

Lilian Sofía Sepúlveda-Salcedo, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente

Lilian Sofia Sepulveda-Salcedo is a mathematician from Universidad del Valle. She received her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Université Paris-Est in 2015 and her Ph.D. in Engineering from Universidad Nacional – Manizales, Colombia in 2015. In 2007, she joined Universidad Autónoma de Occidente as a professor and researcher. Her areas of interest are related to mathematical modeling and optimization, especially in the fields of biomathematics.

References

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Gómez-Chacón, I. M., Ortuño, T. y de la Fuente, A. (2020). Service-learning in Mathematics: Use of learning trajectories in university education. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria, 18(1), 213-231. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2020.12079 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2020.12079

Mayor Paredes, D. (2018). Aprendizaje-Servicio: una práctica educativa innovadora que promueve el desarrollo de competencias del estudiantado universitario. Actualidades Investigativas en Educación, 18(3), 494-516. https://dx.doi.org/10.15517/aie.v18i3.34418 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15517/aie.v18i3.34418

Nagy, F. (2018). Aprendizaje-servicio en las asignaturas STEM. Siemens Stiftung.

Samino García, R. (2022). Experiencias de Aprendizaje Servicio (ApS) en la Educación Superior: aprender haciendo un servicio a la comunidad. Editorial DYKINSON, S.L. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2gz3wqk

Stanton, T. K., Giles Jr, D. E. y Cruz, N. I. (2015). Service-learning: A movement's pioneers reflect on its origins, practice, and future. Jossey-Bass.

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Published

2024-11-25

How to Cite

Correa Valencia, M., Gordillo Suarez , M., & Sepúlveda-Salcedo, L. S. (2024). Service-Learning in engineering education: a case study. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-547

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

Education

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Copyright (c) 2024 Maritza Correa Valencia, Marisol Gordillo Suarez , Lilian Sofía Sepúlveda-Salcedo

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