Developing team competencies of mining engineers in collaborative learning under the CDIO concept

Abstract

The problem of forming team competencies among future mining specialists in response to modern challenges of the Russian labor market in the coal mining industry is investigated. Many domestic universities are modernizing their educational programs in accordance with CDIO (Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate) standards in order that students master engineering skills in line with the Think–Design–Implement–Manage model. The CDIO concept is focused on the development of systemic, creative and critical thinking, task-setting and problem-solving skills, as well as on teamwork in the course of engineering. The level of team competency development among future mining engineers in transition to FSES 3++ is identified, and the effectiveness of the collaborative approach to the formation of team competencies in the educational process of a university is proved. The study involved 135 students of various courses of the National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University specializing in mining, geological exploration technology and applied geology. Monitoring of the team competency development among students was carried out through observation, project team working results, questionnaires, interviews and the executed work apprehension by the students. The authors have revealed the criteria and levels of the team competency. The studies show that most mining engineering students have medium-level team competencies. The theoretical and empirical research allowed the authors to formulate specific pedagogical recommendations to handle this problem.The study was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Project No. 19-29-07350.