Challenge Based Learning: Competencies Development Through the Design of a Cable Transportation System Prototype

One of the greatest challenges of higher education is to provide high quality human resources for a dynamic labour market with an increasing rate of technological change and globalization towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution where new competencies are required. To prepare these professionals, Tecnologico de Monterrey has implemented the Tec21 Educational Model, focused on a comprehensive education based on disciplinary and transversal competencies through the didactic technique of Challenge Based Learning. This study shows the results of a “cable car” challenge in which first-year engineering students of the Mechanical and Mechatronics programs took part. The challenge consisted on the design and manufacture of a functional prototype of a small-scale cable car utilizing CAD software and 3D printing. Competencies such as collaborative work, intellectual curiosity and passion for learning were increased. The results showed the participation and satisfaction of the students with the challenge and the competition. There was a strong relationship between the hard and soft skills developed with the challenge and its application to real-life problems in the industry. This type of experience involves students as protagonists of the learning process, encouraging them to direct their own journey of lifelong learning.