Integrating engineering workflow at early stages of higher education the French example

In this paper, we share our experience in using an innovative approach of teaching Engineering Science established by the French Ministry of Education for the French national preparatory classes for grandes écoles. The engineering science curriculum has moved from theoretical-based teaching into an engineering workflow-based style that considers engineering skills as an integrated part of the learning outcome. The approach makes use of simulation tools and experimentation on real systems. We will show how this new approach not only enhanced students' learning and confidence in their skills but also how it successfully impacted the selection process for getting into engineering schools.