New Approaches In Teaching Undergraduate Dynamics

Abstract

In order to enhance a first course in dynamics, instructors at the United States Air Force Academy have supplemented the class with demonstrations, laboratories, computational problems, and student presentations. Goals of the enhancement are to increase student motivation and understanding. Initial results may not show that students perform better overall, but motivation and interest levels are definitely improved and long-term appreciation and understanding may be increased. Making dynamics more hands-on and "real" may help to make it a less dreaded course without "dumbing down" the content.

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