Engineering Education Research Center (EERC)

Our Research Projects

Explore the groundbreaking projects we are working on to shape the future of engineering education.

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Ongoing Projects

Outcome-Based Education

Outcome-Based Education (OBE) focuses on what students should be able to achieve by the end of their learning experience. Instead of simply covering topics, it emphasizes clearly defined outcomes and aligns the curriculum, teaching methods, and assessments to help students reach those goals effectively.

Here, we aim to conduct several modules focused on outcome-based projects.

Project 1: Outcome-Based Education through CE2210 – Highway and Transportation Engineering Assignments

Traffic congestion study in CE2210 Makumbura bus stand analysis in CE2210 Traffic volume counting in CE2210 SUMO simulation results in CE2210 Student field work in CE2210 Presentation of CE2210 findings

At the Engineering Education Research Center, the CE2210 module offers a strong demonstration of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) by guiding students to identify and critically analyze real-life transportation challenges. Students explored a wide range of issues; from traffic congestion at junctions like Kottawa and Kadawatha to infrastructure inefficiencies at transport hubs such as the Makumbura bus stand.

Through field surveys, stakeholder interviews, accident data analysis, traffic volume counts, and simulations using tools like SUMO, students applied theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems.

The assignments are directly mapped to key learning outcomes and engineering program outcomes, helping students develop essential professional skills. These include:

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem identification
  • Traffic data analysis
  • System design
  • Application of engineering software
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Teamwork
  • Report writing
  • Sustainable decision-making

In some cases, students realized that perceived problems were not supported by data, reinforcing the value of evidence-based engineering judgment.

As we move forward, we are committed to continuously advancing this outcome-based module year by year, further enhancing its real-world relevance and contribution to the development of well-rounded, industry-ready engineers.

Project 2: Outcome-Based Education through CE3110 – Surveying Field Project 2025

CE3110 – Surveying Field Project 2025 CE2210 Project - Image 8 CE2210 Project - Image 9

The Survey Field Project module at the Engineering Education Research Center provides a strong example of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) by immersing students in real-world challenges. Through six group projects, students addressed issues such as:

  • Water scarcity
  • Tourism development
  • Landslide impacts
  • Rural economic upliftment

Using tools like Total Stations, Auto Levels, Theodolites, GIS, Sokkia software, and AutoCAD, students conducted field surveys, stakeholder consultations, and data analysis. Their work involved:

  • Questionnaire surveys
  • Technical drawings
  • Reports
  • Presentations

These activities helped students develop key engineering skills:

  • Problem-solving
  • Spatial data interpretation
  • Sustainable planning
  • Teamwork
  • Communication

All activities are aligned with program outcomes. The module continues to evolve, reinforcing its role in producing socially responsible, industry-ready engineers.