Eindhoven University Pioneers Challenge-Based Learning for Real-World Solutions
Eindhoven, Friday, 15 August 2025.
TU/e educators revamp education with Challenge-Based Learning, engaging students in solving real-world issues and collaborating with industry partners, thereby enhancing innovation skills.
Introduction to Challenge-Based Learning at TU/e
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has embarked on a transformative educational venture with Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), aimed at equipping students with the skills necessary for addressing contemporary real-world issues. This educational strategy seeks to replace traditional lectures with dynamic, hands-on experiences in which students demonstrate autonomy and initiative in their learning [1][2]. By prioritizing systemic thinking and problem-solving, CBL not only prepares students for multidisciplinary collaboration but also aligns education with the needs of modern industries [3][4][5].
Innovators Driving CBL Implementation
At the forefront of this initiative are educators like Professor Gerrit Kroesen of the Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) department, and Associate Professor Dirk Fahland from the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science. They have been instrumental in redesigning courses to incorporate the CBL approach, which emphasizes student-led exploration and real-world problem-solving. Their efforts are tailored to enhance retention and practical application of knowledge, with a notable improvement in student performance metrics, where a CBL course was associated with a full grade’s improvement in scores [1][6][7].
Cross-Departmental and Real-World Collaborations
The integration of Challenge-Based Learning has been further complemented by real-world industry partnerships, such as those with DAF Trucks and other stakeholders, which embed students’ learning within actual industry challenges [8]. This approach is not confined to a single department; the TU/e innovation Space, led by Professor Isabelle Reymen, serves as a hub that facilitates collaborations between students, industries, and society at large. The innovation Space has experienced a significant growth in participation, indicating the increasing acceptance and success of CBL at TU/e [9][10].
Preparing for the Future with Bachelor College 2.0
In September 2023, TU/e launched the Bachelor College 2.0, a new academic framework in which CBL plays an essential role in crafting future engineering leaders. This initiative forms a key component of TU/e’s Strategy 2030, designed to cultivate ‘future-proof’ engineers adept at navigating and resolving the complexities of a dynamic world [11][12]. As CBL courses expand across the university, they champion interdisciplinary teamwork and entrepreneurship, enabling students to address global challenges such as sustainable energy and smart cities [13][14].