Engineering education for the knowledge society

The cross-disciplinary method - the real polytechnic approach - is growing in importance with the emergence of the knowledge society, the rapid changing technologies and globalisation. In that process Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and project work have been shown to be a strong combination. Experience from Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark, shows the strength of such a combination. It produces creative engineers who are prepared to attack unknown problems of the future using theories from very different disciplines. At the same time, it is also a very effective educational method. More students pass their education in due time; furthermore, project work supports the social environment at the campus. Finally, it also attracts more students to the engineering discipline.