Transforming ideas into products: Project based learning in prototyping, fabrication, and testing course for first year engineering students.

This article examines the implementation and outcomes of the Prototyping, Fabrication, and Testing course, a mandatory skill development program for first-year engineering students that employs a project-based learning (PBL) methodology. The course, supported by the AICTE IDEA Lab at St. Joseph Engineering College, integrates hands-on experience with basic and advanced manufacturing techniques, fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving skills through real-world projects. Student feedback collected over three course cycles indicates high engagement, motivation, and satisfaction, with notable gains in technical competencies and collaborative abilities, though some challenges in group dynamics and resource management were reported. The study highlights the effectiveness of PBL in bridging theory and practice in engineering education and suggests that continuous feedback and assessment are vital for refining such curricula to enhance graduate attributes and career readiness.