Conference Session

Investigating Fuel Cells and Alternative Fuels in the Classroom and Lab

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cortney Martin, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Brandy Bratton, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; David Dillard, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Michael Ellis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Maggie Bump, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

postdoctoral mentor. The self-contained nature of summer research projects often contribute to the sense of isolation that doesnot accurately reflect contemporary research. We propose changing the program paradigm froma traditional faculty-centered approach to a student-centered learning community approach.Empirical studies tell us that learning communities can increase student engagement overtraditional didactic models. Students are expected to develop a greater sense of ownership andthus enhanced self-efficacy with regard to their personal research and collaborative abilities. In Page 13.726.2addition to enabling students to have a rich research