Project-Based Learning (PBL) Center to Bridge Students with Technology

The modern engineering profession is dynamic, filled with uncertainty, and requires a technical background as well as interpersonal skills. The demands placed on modern engineers are to navigate and act upon competing priorities set by clients, regulating bodies, environmental groups, and the public at large to solve the problems of modern society. For engineering students to be prepared for the challenges they will face in their careers, they need to gain experience working in a dynamic environment to solve projects and problems that diverge from the theoretical realm and enter a practical landscape similar to what they will encounter in industry. One way is with an on-campus project-based learning (PBL) center. A PBL Center uses a pedagogical strategy where student learning centers around projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. The PBL Center also functions to allow industry and community partners to engage with faculty and student interns. The Concept Center at Weber State University is modeled after PBL pedagogy and functions to connect student interns employed at the center with sponsored projects. This paper discusses the application of PBL in the Concept Center to achieve a double mission of supporting industry and providing opportunities for students to gain experience in technology. A summary of intrinsic benefits is presented and lessons learned in the operation and management of the Concept Center.