Board 136: Utilizing Active Learning to Replace Traditional Homework in Undergraduate Engineering Majors

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The internet and social media are growing significantly at a rapid pace, making it harder for instructors to provide effective learning and authentic assessment of courses using only the traditional textbook. The future of undergraduate engineering majors is in danger of extinction as the creativity of students' minds and the experience of hands-on projects are fading in the shadow of outdated textbooks and repetitive theoretical assignments. As hands-on laboratories improve academic performance and increase student success, they need to be updated to serve today's world applications. This paper presents a new method to replace traditional homework with advanced active learning and lecturing in class. “Thermodynamics” was chosen as the subject of the case study. The traditional homework was not wholly removed but was presented as “optional.” Meanwhile, a set of experiments and mini-projects was designed throughout the semester to replace the weight percentage of the homework. Activities included designing experiments, major-specified projects (biomechanical, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, etc.), and solving real-world problems that were defined by involving cleantech and energy startup companies. These activities can extend the student's ability to think outside the box and grasp fundamental concepts more clearly, and for example, include designing thermal protocols for thermal equipment to perform tests for different nanofluids or designing hardware for harvesting wasted heat and converting it to electricity utilizing Carnot cycles. The students' learning process included the problematic concepts of thermodynamics. They were familiarized with the research and development industry in the energy field, and it broadened their perspective toward their future careers. In addition, compared to an equation and problem-solving-only class, this novel method would lead to higher grades, thus, better retention for students and more valuable learning.

Original languageEnglish
JournalASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings
StatePublished - 25 Jun 2023
Event2023 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition - The Harbor of Engineering: Education for 130 Years, ASEE 2023 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: 25 Jun 202328 Jun 2023

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