Creativity development for engineering students: Cases of problem and project based learning

In this paper we outline two approaches to enhance creative skills in a PBL environment at Aalborg University, Denmark. The two strategies are respectively characterized by 1) integrating creativity training into the curriculum and 2) introducing real life engineering projects for students. Two cases are presented to examine and discuss the implications of the two pedagogical strategies for the ways students characterize and practice creativity. The conclusion is that both strategies cultivate students' creativity; but in different ways. This calls for a variation of pedagogical strategies aligned with the particular educational context.