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Problem Solving and Creativity for Engineers

Perhaps the most important skill that an engineer must possess is that of being able to solve problems effectively and efficiently.  Effective problem solving is about recognising strategy and method.  Another desirable, but often unrecognised or undeveloped skill is that of being able to think and act creatively.  Both of these abilities are highlighted in current UK and European benchmark and policy statements.  None of these statements offer guidance on how these skills might be fostered, let alone assessed.

The following web pages present the findings of a three year (two-cycle) Action Research project to develop a dedicated creative problem solving module for engineering undergraduates.

The work has additionally been informed by over 50 interviews with students and academics at The University of Northampton, Loughborough University and Birmingham University, along with a number of professional engineers from a range of different sectors. 

A number of Reusable Learning Objects developed for the second cycle of research can also be downloaded from this site.

The project has been financially supported by two mini-project awards from the HEA Engineering Subject Centre at Loughborough University and a Learning and Teaching Enhancement Award (Fellowship) from The University of Northampton.

For further details about this research work, please contact Jonathan Adams (jonathan.adams@northampton.ac.uk).