Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

Abstract

Abstract— This paper presents an innovative approach to enhance higher cognitive skills in students through collaboration with the industry, focusing on microcontroller education. In the fastevolving landscape of technology, bridging the gap between academia and industry is paramount. Our paper describes a course activity that leverages industry collaboration to impart critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge application skills to students. The course activity centers on the in-depth study of the Atmega32 microcontroller, chosen for its industry relevance and rich feature set. Students delve into fundamental concepts, architecture, programming, timers, counters, interrupts, and peripheral integration. They are encouraged to apply their knowledge to realworld scenarios through hands-on projects (Bolanakis, 2019) Key components of this approach include industry mentorship, project-based learning and formative assessment. Industry professionals guide students in solving industry-related challenges, fostering creativity and practical problem-solving. Continuous evaluation assesses students' critical thinking, knowledge application, and problem-solving abilities. The paper demonstrates the positive impact of this collaborative learning approach on students' cognitive skills and their preparedness for real-world industry roles. By adapting theoretical knowledge to address industry needs and aligning with best practices, students gain valuable skills essential for success in the technology-driven job market.

Keywords— Cognitive Skills; Critical Thinking; Industry Collaboration; Knowledge Application; Problem-Solving