An Effective Methodology for the Attraction of Students into Engineering Programs for Post-Covid Normality

ABSTRACT

In this paper we present a methodology based in simple constructions for the solution of scaled real problem situations. This methodology was used during the pandemic terms in our university in the years 2020 and 2021. The first objective of this work is vocational orientation of future Mechanical, Industrial and Innovation Engineers. The second objective was to develop competences in students of the fifth and sixth semesters of a high school level. In order to achieve these objectives a process that includes challenges and problem situations was established. These challenges and problem situations cover vocational orientation and some pre-defined competences. A total of 300 students participated in these activities during one year and half, during lock down conditions and over 100 students in the new normality conditions on campus. Results show that the objectives were fulfilled and the activities contributed in the attraction of more students into Engineering programs. © 2022 IEEE.