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A Mentorship and Module-Based System to Ensure the Adequacy of Required Prerequisite Knowledge for Enhancing Student Success in Engineering

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Conference

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Baltimore , Maryland

Publication Date

June 25, 2023

Start Date

June 25, 2023

End Date

June 28, 2023

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division (MECH) Technical Session 12: Prerequisite Skills and Knowledge

Tagged Division

Mechanical Engineering Division (MECH)

Page Count

12

DOI

10.18260/1-2--42425

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/42425

Download Count

141

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Paper Authors

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Ricardo Zaurin University of Central Florida

biography

Sudeshna Pal University of Central Florida

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Dr. Sudeshna Pal is an Associate Lecturer in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of
Central Florida (UCF), where she teaches courses in the areas of system dynamics, controls, and biomedical engineering.
Her current research focus is engineering education, including blended learning, project-based learning, and digital and
design education. She co-directs the “Biodesign Program in Rehabilitation Engineering” program for undergraduate
engineering students at UCF. She has published over 20 research and pedagogical journal and conference articles. She
received the 2020 College Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award and the 2022 University Teaching Incentive
Program Award at UCF.

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Abstract

Attrition and retention are issues that have been the subject of ample pedagogical studies. For engineering, nationwide student retention rates fall anywhere in the range of 40% - 60%, with many students capable of completing an engineering degree switching to a different one. National studies consistently show that after junior year, the number of students either switching to non-STEM majors or dropping out from college is around 56%. This negatively impacts college retention and graduation rates as well as causes lasting negative consequences such as student loan debts for drop-out students. Statics and Dynamics are fundamental courses in the critical graduation path of almost every engineering major. A common complaint among Statics and Dynamics professors is the lack of the basic math and physics (MAP) prerequisite knowledge in newly enrolled students that is required for the successful completion of these courses and advancement in their majors.

In this ongoing study, the researchers developed a two-prong approach to address the above and increase student success. The approach involves 1) Creation of a specific set of modules specifically targeting the MAP prerequisite knowledge needed by the students to be successful in Statics and Dynamics courses and 2) Mentoring of “at-risk” students by student mentors (SMs) starting from the second week of the semester. The developed modules include pretests and targeted interventions based on each student’s knowledge needs. Sets of videos, practice problems, and further assessments are provided to ensure that all students have the same baseline knowledge and have the tools to be successful in these courses. In addition, assigning students to SMs who not only focus with the prerequisite and course knowledge but also help students with their social integration to the university environment. These close knits serve as a “Learning Community” providing opportunities for deeper understanding of the material being learned and closer interaction with faculty and fellow participants as well as helping them to navigate through all the university facilities and opportunities. This paper describes the authors’ efforts in developing and implementing the above approach along with some preliminary results.

Zaurin, R., & Pal, S. (2023, June), A Mentorship and Module-Based System to Ensure the Adequacy of Required Prerequisite Knowledge for Enhancing Student Success in Engineering Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--42425

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