Introducing Active Learning and Serious Game in Engineering Education: "Experience from Lean Manufacturing Course"

Traditional pedagogical methods in engineering programmes of most universities are not always effective. Various studies underline that active learning is generally more effective and can facilitate understanding of concepts and assimilation of content. In this context, "serious games" are widely used in various fields and prove their effectiveness. This article addresses the structure and provides some evidence of the effectiveness of a serious game developed in a Lean Manufacturing course held at the University of Applied Science and Arts of Southern Switzerland: the Lean LEGO (TM) Game. After a concise literature review reporting existing serious games covering industrial engineering, operations and lean management, this paper will report on the Lean LEGO (TM) Game objectives, mechanics and measured results.