Trends in Engineering Education on ISO GPS and GD&T: A Look at Today and Tomorrow

Considering the importance of the recent renewed interest in geometric specification management in industry and academia, along with the evolving landscape of educational models post-COVID-19, the authors aimed to investigate, through a literature review, the status of educational practices on these topics. In particular, the presence of educational initiatives dedicated to geometric and functional product specifications in mechanical or industrial engineering programs was investigated, with a specific focus on standards such as ISO GPS and ASME GD&T outside the Italian context. An analysis was then conducted to identify common teaching strategies and the development of specific tools to improve the understanding of these complex topics. The review of education and training experiences revealed significant trends and insights for future training efforts. In particular, the prevalence of active learning practices emerged, and detailed course descriptions demonstrate the effectiveness of hands-on approaches, often supplemented by specific tools, in facilitating student understanding. Leveraging these trends, educators can design more effective interventions to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed with geometric specifications.