Problems asked in educational settings tend to rely on standard template solutions (plug and play in modern parlance) that leave little thinking for the student.

The interplay of different fields in Engineering requires a more broad understanding starting with basic concepts and moving on to problem definition, analysis, using numerical tools and getting a handle on the solution. This can only be facilitated with continually updating ones expertise by practicing older and newer types of problems.

The problems of a century back and solutions are no doubt detailed and required thought, but focused the mind on using specific math tools and artifices, manipulations of formulas and set templates. This may not work today.