STEM-based CNC learning to empower creative and innovative thinking skills in undergraduate students

Abstract

The demand for creative and innovative problem-solvers in industry has encouraged educators to integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with practical technological tools such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) into the learning environment. This article presents a learning-centered CNC-based STEM course designed to enhance students' creative and innovative skills through project-based learning and student-centered pedagogies. The method employed in this study uses a mixed-method approach to comprehensively understand the impact of CNC-integrated STEM learning on students' creativity and innovation. The article provides a nuanced view of how CNC-STEM learning influences student outcomes. The project-based (PBL), student-centered learning model empowers students to design, build, and critically evaluate original CNC projects. Improving creativity and innovative skills with STEM-based CNC education includes: using PBL in CNC education gives students the opportunity to work on real-world projects, which stimulates their critical and creative thinking. Students gain creative thinking and imaginative problem-solving skills by creating and producing their own items. Collaborative learning using STEM-based CNC instruction promotes student cooperation. When students work in groups, they exchange ideas, solve issues together, and gain knowledge from one another, which develops their innovative and creative thinking, and using STEM to support teaching factory.