Eindhoven University Transforms Education with Real-World Problem Solving
Eindhoven, Friday, 5 September 2025.
Eindhoven University of Technology’s Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) initiative empowers students by focusing on real-world problem-solving, fostering adaptability and resilience for future innovation challenges.
Challenge-Based Learning: A Progressive Approach
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is pioneering a shift in educational paradigms through its Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) initiative. This approach emphasizes real-world problem-solving, allowing students to engage actively with their learning materials. Early adopters of CBL, such as Professors Gerrit Kroesen and Rudie Kunnen, have spearheaded the redesign of courses like Control Engineering to incorporate this innovative teaching style. The initiative was initially born out of the need to enhance student engagement and retention of course content, pivoting from traditional lecture-based learning to a more hands-on educational experience. The professors found that students achieved better scores and retained more information under the CBL model [1][2].
Adapting to Educational Needs
Under the CBL framework, students are encouraged to work collaboratively on complex projects that reflect real-world challenges. This model not only hones their technical skills but also cultivates competencies such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, which are essential for professional growth in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Associate Professor Dirk Fahland, who has been running a Data Challenge course for several years, notes that this methodology allows students to transition from novice learners to professionals adept at addressing practical problems faced in the workplace [3].
Scaling the Initiative
The success of CBL at TU/e is prompting an expansion to accommodate more students. By the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, the Control Engineering course will be transformed and merged with another course to become ‘Control of a Flexible Robot System.’ This change will increase the student body from 150 to between 500 and 600 participants. To manage the larger class size, master’s students from the Mechanical Engineering department will supervise the groups, reflecting a shift in the role of lecturers from direct instructors to mentors of the supervisors [2][3].
Future Prospects and Challenges
As TU/e continues to develop its CBL offerings, the institution is also focused on preparing future engineers for the challenges of tomorrow. The upcoming Bachelor College 2.0, launching in September 2023, will further integrate CBL into the curriculum, underscoring its importance in equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving world. This strategic shift aligns with TU/e’s broader educational goals and its commitment to fostering a learning environment that is both innovative and inclusive [4].