Improving Practical Experience of Students in Preproduction and Production Stages of New Products

Application of innovative training approaches in higher education is a necessity for achieving of quality of education and positive prerequisite for students to have career opportunities in modern industries. This paper displays methodological aspects and empirical results of some of the most valuable means of practical work with students, used by interdisciplinary teams at University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” in the field of Engineering design, Modelling through Finite Element Method, participation in scientific projects, and on-the-spot production visits to enterprises. The approaches are described by main goal, process of implementation, illustrated knowledge, acquired skills and competences by the students, the role of students in the process, impact and results, qualitative feedback from the students, benefits from performing the activity or research model - for the students, for the professors, for the university and the educational process as a whole.