Eindhoven University Integrates Challenge-Based Learning for Real-World Experience
Eindhoven, Friday, 29 August 2025.
TU Eindhoven introduces Challenge-Based Learning to connect students with industry, improving hands-on skills and job market readiness. This approach emphasizes collaboration on real-world problems with companies like DAF Trucks.
Pioneering Educational Strategies at TU Eindhoven
Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) at TU Eindhoven represents a significant shift in educational methodologies, tailored to engage students with hands-on and real-world projects. Professors Gerrit Kroesen and Rudie Kunnen have been pivotal in this transformation. They adapted a traditional Control Engineering course into a design and experience-focused module. This course, now named ‘Control of a Flexible Robot System,’ encourages students to integrate theoretical knowledge through practical application, such as using magnetic coils to levitate a metal ball [1].
Expanding CBL’s Reach Across Disciplines
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at TU/e offers nine major CBL courses, enhancing interdisciplinary inquiry. Clemens Verhoosel, an associate professor, underscores the collaborative needs in courses like ‘Energy Storage and Transport,’ focusing on sustainable energy solutions. CBL courses consist of multidisciplinary teams, emphasizing both teamwork and individual research, with support from faculty and educational advisors like Apoorva Sonawane [2].
Bridging Academia and Industry
Partnering with leading companies such as DAF Trucks, TU/e integrates industry-expertise into its CBL framework, providing students with real-world challenges to solve. This collaboration aims to narrow the gap between academic concepts and practical industry demands, thereby fortifying students’ readiness for today’s competitive job market [3].
The Role of TU/e Innovation Space in CBL
Established in 2017, the TU/e innovation Space plays a crucial role in advancing CBL. As the main hub for entrepreneurial learning, it supports thousands of students annually in developing solutions to societal challenges. Isabelle Reymen, the scientific director, highlights the importance of preparing students to become future change agents capable of addressing global issues such as climate change and energy crises [4].