Formation of technical competencies in future electrical power engineers through professionally oriented physics education: a practice-based approach

A study conducted at Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications explored the effectiveness of professionally oriented physics education in developing technical competencies among future electrical power engineers. The research, using a quasi-experimental design with an experimental and control group, found that an enriched physics curriculum, incorporating professionally oriented problems and engineering interpretation tasks, significantly impacted student competency development compared to traditional instruction.

Why it matters

This research provides evidence that tailoring foundational education to professional contexts can enhance the practical skills and technical competencies of future professionals. This is critical for ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of their respective industries, thereby improving workforce readiness and overall sector productivity.

Key insights

• Professionally oriented physics education positively influences the development of technical competencies in future electrical power engineers.
• The experimental group, receiving enriched physics instruction, demonstrated enhanced competency compared to a control group receiving traditional instruction.
• Instructional methods included professionally oriented problems, laboratory activities, and engineering interpretation tasks.
• The study involved 60 undergraduate students from an Electrical Power Engineering program, divided into two groups of 30.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1917029