Group
Engineering Education Research Group
Unit(s) of assessment: General Engineering
Research theme(s): Digital, Technology and Creative
Overview
The Engineering Education Research Group, led by Dr. Edward Causton, is committed to advancing the practice and impact of engineering education. Our research explores how innovative pedagogies, emerging technologies, and inclusive practices can enhance learning experiences and outcomes for engineering students.
Our areas of interest include (but are not limited to):
- Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Engineering Education: Investigating immersive and intelligent learning environments that enhance understanding and engagement.
- Active and Collaborative Learning: Developing teamwork, problem-solving, and peer-learning methods in engineering curricula.
- Blended and Hybrid Learning: Exploring flexible learning models that combine in-person and digital engagement.
- Student Wellbeing: Researching resilience, stress management, and wellbeing in engineering students.
- Mathematics for Engineers: Innovative pedagogical strategies for teaching mathematical concepts and methods.
- Sustainability in the Curriculum: Embedding sustainability and environmental awareness in engineering design and practice.
- Democratising Technology: Removing barriers to engineering education.
- Authentic Assessment: Designing assessment tasks that mirror real-world engineering practice.
The group’s members have collaborated with a variety of industry and academic partners across the UK and Europe. Through these partnerships, the group contributes to the development and dissemination of innovative, evidence-based approaches that help shape the future of engineering education.
Research Group Researchers
Edward Causton
Senior Lecturer
Department of Engineering
Hemantha Kodikara Arachchi
Principal Lecturer
School of Science & Technology
Dr Elif Cirkin Hawkins
Senior Lecturer
Department of Engineering
Jessica Stanley
Lecturer
School of Science & Technology
Ben Simpson
Head of Department
Department of Engineering
Publications:
Radovanović, M., Jovčić, S., Petrovski, A., & Cirkin, E. (2025). Evaluation of University Professors Using the Spherical Fuzzy AHP and Grey MARCOS Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model: A Case Study. Spectrum of Decision Making and Applications, 2(1), 198-218. https://doi.org/10.31181/sdmap21202518
Causton, E. W. T., 2024. Enhancing Student Comprehension Through Applied Scenarios: From Practice to Theory. In DS 131: Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE 2024) pp. 79-84.
Çirkin, E., Eriş, E. D., Kurt Gümüş, G., & Bukova Güzel, E., (2023). Sustainable Education: Past Reality and Future Projection. Uluslararası Eğitim Bilimleri ve Araştırmaları Sempozyumu UEBAS 2023, İzmir, Turkey.
Takrouri, K., Causton, E. W. T. and Simpson, B., 2022. AR technologies in engineering education: Applications, potential, and limitations. Digital, 2(2), pp.171-190.
Takrouri, K. and Simpson, B., 2022. The integration of augmented reality technologies in engineering curriculum. In 33rd Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference (AAEE 2022): Future of Engineering Education: Future of Engineering Education, pp. 728-736. Sydney: Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE), a Technical Society of Engineers Australia.
Butt, A.T., Causton, E. W. T. and Watkins, M.A., 2022. Embedding Sustainability in the Engineering Curriculum: A Complimentary Approach To Performance Engineering and Sustainable Design. In DS 117: Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE 2022), London South Bank University in London, UK. 8th-9th September 2022.