Upgrading the Australian engineering curriculum to enhance communication skills of engineering students

Engineers are regarded as problem solvers who use science, technology and mathematics to solve physical problems to build a better physical world. Poor communication skills have been regarded as a significant obstacle for many engineering students and junior engineers as they struggle to present their novel ideas and technical analyses effectively to others. On the other hand, it has been found that there are many engineers who have excellent communication skills. One possible solution to this problem is the introduction of a new subject in the engineering course curriculum on effective communication similar to some universities in the USA. A blended learning approach can be used to deliver this new subject that offers an enhanced flexibility in learning. It is suggested that Engineers Australia prepares a position paper on this issue and recommends a suitable roadmap for its implementation to help improving communication skills of Australian Engineering students.