Conference Session

Teaching Statics

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rungun Nathan, Pennsylvania State University, Berks

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

ideas and concepts from previous work listed here, the authorundertook a redesign of his mechanics classes (statics and strength of materials) toinclude interactive engagement, cooperative learning and peer instruction. The idea of“teaching-notes”1 was modernized by the faculty’s use of current technology consistingof a media projector and a tablet-pc with ink technology. Digital ink-technology is theterm used for writing on a tablet-pc screen using free hand writing. The students in theclass did not use tablet-pc. Page 15.1323.2BeginningsTo begin the process, the concept of mini lectures based on informal cooperative learningexperiences of Johnson, et

Conference Session

Teaching Dynamics

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sherrill Biggers, Clemson University; Marisa Orr, Clemson University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

straight-forward book, movingto in-class discussion and guided learning exercises, through solving more complex homeworkproblems on their own or in groups.Active Learning and Peer Instruction: Each class period is conducted using a modifiedSCALE-UP2 approach. That is, classroom instruction is focused on in-class learning exercisessupplemented by critical reading by each student prior to class, mini-lectures at one or moretimes during class, physical demonstrations, and short reading/attention quizzes using“i>clickers”12. With this approach, attention span become less problematic and students quicklylearn that to perform in class, they must both be alert during class and prepare by reading the textbefore class. We are fortunate to have a

Conference Session

Teaching Statics

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Masoud Rais-Rohani, Mississippi State University; Andrew Walters, Mississippi State University; Anthony Vizzini, Western Michigan University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

instructor is changed from one whoseprincipal task is to give lectures to one who coordinates the delivery of course content, managesthe emporium activities, and responds to students’ questions. As such, a more consistentlearning experience is provided to the students in different sections of the same course asstudents work toward reaching the uniformly specified learning milestones. Another importantconsideration is that the emporium model can accommodate a larger number of students percourse section than the traditional approach because during the emporium sessions the instructoris assisted by a group of learning assistants (graduate teaching assistants or peer tutors) that helpprovide a timely response to the students’ questions.The major cost