Howard University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

TitleHoward University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Publication TypeTAR Project
AuthorsAfoakwah E, Baronette M
InstitutionHoward
Year of Publication2011
AbstractA Laboratory-based design experience to increase comprehension and retention of concepts in fluid mechanics in an undergraduate engineering course
The use of Science Concept Inventory (SCI) and Inductive Teaching (IT) strategies are increasingly being utilized as an alternative method of instruction within STEM disciplines. The integration of SCI and IT with Project-Based Learning (PBL) strategies may be integral in student learning transfer both cumulatively as well as interdisciplinary within STEM subjects.
This project analyzes the effectiveness of a teaching approach that utilizes the integration of SCI, IT, and PBL strategies in an undergraduate fluid mechanics engineering course.
The transfer of learning through the aforementioned strategies is promoted by students learning and applying methodologies in multiple contexts related to the development of a turbine. The strategies in this project are implemented through: group activities, the integration of software and hardware tools, and the use of other technology. Additionally, students are encouraged to use team work, report writing, and both critical and creative thinking to complete the development and construction of a turbine. To identify if there are tangible biases with the results of this project, students have their specific learning type identified through the Fleming’s VARK model. Additionally, the effectiveness of our project approach is analyzed through the comparison of student grade performance between the undergraduate fluid mechanics test group and prior courses that did not utilize this approach.
KeywordsHowardTAR
ObjectivesOur project will show that there is an increase in student transfer and academic performance when a collaborative SCI, IT, and PBL strategy is used to teach an undergraduate fluid mechanics engineering course. The data received from this project may be utilized in future instructional design and development in upper level science courses and associated STEM programs.
StatusOngoing
Department/DisciplineDepartment of Biology, Mechanical Engineering