Active Learning Approaches In Engineering Design Courses
Kristin L. Wood, Daniel Jensen, Alan J. Dutson, Matthew Green
Abstract
The pendulum of engineering education is swinging from an emphasis purely on theory to a balance between concrete experiences and analysis. This balance calls for engaging students in active learning through new materials such as hands-on activities, interactive multimedia, and group learning. This balance with concrete experience is especially needed in "building-block" courses that create the foundation for advanced design courses. If we expect students to perform well with open-ended, project-centered problems, we need to provide a pedagogical basis across the entire undergraduate curriculum. This paper presents such a basis for one important engineering core topic: mechanics of materials. Active learning concepts applied in mechanics of materials courses are discussed, including specific examples of hands-on, multimedia, and group design exercises.