Towards Practice-Oriented Education in Transport: A Comparative Study of Student Perceptions

Abstract

The article explores the modernization of educational strategies in the transport sector in light of the evolving demands of the 21st-century labor market. It addresses the mismatch between the current use of modern learning activities in university curricula and their perceived importance for developing students’ professional competencies. A comparative survey was conducted at the Faculty of Transport Engineering (University of Pardubice) in the academic years 2021/2022 and 2024/2025, targeting full-time students across several study programs. The study assessed both the current level of implementation and the perceived importance of eleven modern learning activities inspired by practices at leading university coworking centers worldwide. The findings indicate a consistent gap between the actual application and the perceived value of these activities, especially in areas involving direct interaction with industry, mentoring, and participation in seminars or interdisciplinary projects. Based on the results, the article proposes strategic measures to improve alignment between education and practice, including the creation of an online university coworking center. This digital environment would facilitate collaboration, mentoring, and innovation, ultimately enhancing students' readiness to address the complex challenges of the modern transport sector.