Formation of Engineering Specialists at University: Adaptation and Learning Motivation Problems

Abstract

During the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the development of society depends on multiple factors, primarily on technologies and the quality of training of modern engineers, including university graduates. The aim of the present study is to elaborate proposals and recommendations for increasing the students' motivation to study at universities and managing problems of their adaptation. This research is based on the following methods: analysis of philosophical, managerial, sociological and pedagogical literature; survey and comparative data analysis. 627 engineering students of the Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin (Russia) and 127 students of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Latvia) have been surveyed. The results show that regular research of problems of motivation for learning and adaptation to the future profession at the university is a prerequisite for becoming a highly qualified specialist in the field of engineering. Problem monitoring will contribute to students' adaptation to their future profession as they pursue their curriculum. It has been found that engineering education has different characteristics in various countries. The survey has shown UrFU and LLU students' interest in obtaining a degree in engineering and pursuing the occupations for which they are qualified. At the same time, the role of the university in enhancing motivation and accelerating the adaptation of students should consist in practice-oriented learning, building competencies and personal qualities required in their future profession. © 2021 Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. All rights reserved.