TY  - JOUR
T1  - Improving learning outcomes in engineering education with a closed-loop control system method
AU  - Köse, Ercan
PY  - 2025
DA  - September
Y2  - 2025
DO  - 10.26701/ems.1733766
JF  - European Mechanical Science
JO  - EMS
PB  - Ahmet ÇALIK
WT  - DergiPark
SN  - 2587-1110
SP  - 277
EP  - 290
VL  - 9
IS  - 3
LA  - en
AB  - Education plays a critical role in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success. However, traditional educational approaches often struggle to address the diverse learning paces, styles, and needs of students. This challenge is particularly pronounced in technical fields such as engineering, where personalized and adaptive learning methods are essential. This study proposes a novel approach leveraging closed-loop control systems to enhance the attainment of course learning outcomes. The proposed method is demonstrated through a case study on Circuit Analysis, a fundamental course in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The study quantifies and systematically implements course learning outcomes using various assessment tools, including quizzes, exams, projects, and laboratory evaluations, all integrated into a closed-loop control framework. A numerical correlation is also established between course learning outcomes and broader program outcomes. Unlike traditional systems where assessment results are isolated, the proposed method incorporates adaptive mechanisms that adjust subsequent assessments and learning interventions based on earlier performance. This closed-loop approach enables personalized tracking of students' progress, tailored learning materials, and adaptive teaching strategies that address individual strengths and weaknesses. The findings indicate that closed-loop control systems can transform educational methodologies, offering a robust framework for personalized learning and maximizing students’ potential, particularly in technical disciplines. Furthermore, this approach aligns seamlessly with quality accreditation processes, making it applicable across a wide range of courses.
KW  - Engineering Education
KW  - Learning outcomes
KW  - Evaluation methodologies
KW  - Improving classroom teaching
KW  - Lifelong learning
CR  - Makhoul, S. A. (2019). Higher education accreditation, quality assurance and their impact to teaching and learning enhancement. Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, 35(4), 235–250. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEAS-08-2018-0092
CR  - Dill, D. D., & Beerkens, M. (2013). Designing the framework conditions for assuring academic standards: Lessons learned about professional, market, and government regulation of academic quality. Higher Education, 65(3), 341–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-012-9548-x
CR  - de Paor, C. (2016). The contribution of professional accreditation to quality assurance in higher education. Quality in Higher Education, 22(3), 228–241. https://doi.org/10.1080/13538322.2016.1263925
CR  - Kaliannan, M., & Chandran, S. D. (2012). Empowering students through outcome-based education (OBE). Research in Education, 87(1), 50–63. https://doi.org/10.7227/RIE.87.1.4
CR  - Syeed, M. M., Shihavuddin, A., Uddin, M. F., Hasan, M., & Khan, R. H. (2022). Outcome based education (OBE): Defining the process and practice for engineering education. IEEE Access, 10, 119170–119192. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3219477
CR  - Khanna, R., & Mehrotra, D. (2019). The roadmap for quality improvement from traditional through competency based (CBE) towards outcome based education (OBE) in dentistry. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 9(2), 139–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobcr.2019.02.004
CR  - Zamir, M. Z., Abid, M. I., Fazal, M. R., Qazi, M. A. A. R., & Kamran, M. (2022). Switching to outcome-based education (OBE) system, a paradigm shift in engineering education. IEEE Transactions on Education, 65(4), 695–702. https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2022.3169184
CR  - Rao, N. J. (2020). Outcome-based education: An outline. Higher Education for the Future, 7(1), 5–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/2347631119886418
CR  - McKendree, B., & Washburn, S. G. (2021). Secondary teachers’ implementation of metacognition and interpretation of student metacognitive knowledge and regulation. Journal of Agricultural Education, 62(3).
CR  - Wu, Y., Xu, L., & Philbin, S. P. (2023). Evaluating the role of the communication skills of engineering students on employability according to the outcome-based education (OBE) theory. Sustainability, 15(9), 9711. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129711
CR  - Abdul Karim, N. A. H., & Yin, K. Y. (2018). Outcome-based education: An approach for teaching and learning development. Journal of Research, Policy & Practice of Teachers and Teacher Education, 3(1), 26–35.
CR  - Xu, Z., Ge, L., He, W., Song, G., Liu, J., Hou, L., ... Li, X. (2024). Developing a BOPPPS (bridge-in, objectives, pre-assessment, participatory learning, post-assessment and summary) model combined with the OBE (outcome based education) concept to improve the teaching outcomes of higher education. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 1–13.
CR  - Guggari, S., Okoye, K., & Abraham, A. (2023). Review of challenges and best practices for outcome based education: An exploratory outlook on main contributions and research topics. In A. Abraham, A. Bajaj, N. Gandhi, A. M. Madureira, & C. Kahraman (Eds.), Innovations in Bio-Inspired Computing and Applications. IBICA 2022. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Vol. 649). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27499-2_58
CR  - Akir, O., Eng, T. H., & Malie, S. (2012). Teaching and learning enhancement through outcome-based education structure and technology e-learning support. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 62, 87–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.015
CR  - Li, M., & Rohayati, M. I. (2024). The relationship between learning outcomes and graduate competences: The chain-mediating roles of project-based learning and assessment strategies. Sustainability, 16(14), 6080.
CR  - Garnjost, P., & Lawter, L. (2019). Undergraduates’ satisfaction and perceptions of learning outcomes across teacher- and learner-focused pedagogies. The International Journal of Management Education, 17(2), 267–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2019.03.004
CR  - Logan, R. M., Johnson, C. E., & Worsham, J. W. (2021). Development of an e-learning module to facilitate student learning and outcomes. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 16(2), 139–142.
CR  - Yamarik, S. (2007). Does cooperative learning improve student learning outcomes? The Journal of Economic Education, 38(3), 259–277.
CR  - Isusi-Fagoaga, R., García-Aracil, A., & Navarro-Milla, I. (2023). Impact of teaching-learning approaches on graduates’ learning outcomes: Evidence in Belarus. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning.
CR  - Clark, N., & Hsu, J. L. (2023). Insight from biology program learning outcomes: Implications for teaching, learning, and assessment. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 22(1), Article ar5.
CR  - Marín-Vinuesa, L. M., & Rojas-García, P. (2023). E-learning web-apps use acceptance: A way to guide perceived learning outcomes in blended learning. Sustainability, 15(3), 2136.
CR  - Bloom, B. S., Engelhart, M. D., Furst, E. J., Hill, W. H., & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives, the classification of educational goals. Handbook I: Cognitive domain. David McKay Company.
CR  - Yan, L., Echeverria, V., Jin, Y., Fernandez‐Nieto, G., Zhao, L., Li, X., ... Martinez‐Maldonado, R. (2024). Evidence-based multimodal learning analytics for feedback and reflection in collaborative learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(5), 1900–1925.
CR  - Huba, M. E., & Freed, J. E. (2000). Learner-centered assessment on college campuses: Shifting the focus from teaching to learning. Allyn & Bacon.
CR  - Kirkavak, N., Özaktaş, H., & Ertem, M. A. (2019). Müdek report card: An alternative model for assessment of program outcomes. Journal of Industrial Engineering, 30(1), 32–48.
CR  - Kirschner, P. A. (2012). Epistemology or pedagogy, that is the question. Advances in Cognitive Psychology, 8(2), 205–215.
CR  - Ming, L. S. (2012). Alignment of learning outcomes and assessment. In 2012 International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training (ITHET) (pp. 1–3). IEEE.
CR  - Linkon, S. L. (2024). What it means to transform teaching and learning: A summary of recent literature on progressive education. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from http://www.teachingforchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ProgressiveEdSummary.pdf
CR  - National Governors Association. (2007). Compete to complete: Increasing postsecondary attainment through common standards. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.ccsso.org/sites/default/files/2017-07/CompeteToComplete
CR  - Rexeisen, R. J., & Garrison, M. E. (2013). A model for international students’ sense of belonging: The role of international student affairs professionals. Journal of Studies in International Education, 17(5), 606–622.
CR  - ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). (2017). Criteria for accrediting engineering programs: 2017-2018. Baltimore, MD: Author.
CR  - Prince, M. (2004). Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223–231.
CR  - Suskie, L. (2018). Assessing student learning: A common sense guide. John Wiley & Sons.
CR  - Angelo, T. A., & Cross, K. P. (1993). Classroom assessment techniques: A handbook for college teachers. Jossey-Bass.
CR  - Elsheikh, E. M. A., Sarudin, I., & Gunawan, T. S. (2017). A systematic approach for developing course learning outcomes to fulfil accreditation requirements in Malaysia. In 2017 7th World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF) (pp. 428–433). IEEE.
CR  - Anadolu University Official Web Site. (n.d.). Devre analizi ders içerik. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from https://www.anadolu.edu.tr/akademik/fakulteler/ders/13586/devre-analizi/ders-icerik
CR  - Bostan, A., & Karakaya, M. (2016). A case study on impact of student course-attendance on exam grades. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 12(1).
UR  - https://doi.org/10.26701/ems.1733766
L1  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/5018622
ER  -