An Educational Model for Teaching PLC Programming Incorporating Soft Skills

This paper presents an educational model that develops competencies such as coding and programming of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Design of Strategies for automating processes as well as some soft skills for students in the fourth semester of the Mechatronics Program at our university. To develop these competencies, a challenge-based model was implemented with several challenges that gradually increase in complexity as the students advance in the course. The challenges are real problem situations regarding the programming of PLCs, in particular the model Siemens 1200. These challenges have to be solved in a given time, developing students' knowledge of automation, logical thinking, critical thinking, collaborative work, and sensors' applications. The final challenge consists in programming a model of a production line with four conveyor belts, two changing belts, two manufacturing stations, and a traffic light indicator, all from the Fischertechnik brand, all controlled by a Siemens 1200 PLC. The use of Flipped Classroom and the solution of challenges is the core of this model, which allows the students to develop the sought competencies with a good mastering level and at the same time, students learn how to program the PLC. This model could be applied to other Engineering disciplines to improve the performance of students in courses with practical applications.An Educational Model for Teaching PLC Programming Incorporating Soft Skills