Construction and Use of a Concept Map in an Undergraduate Dynamics Class
- Conference
- Location
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Minneapolis, MN
- Publication Date
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August 23, 2022
- Start Date
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June 26, 2022
- End Date
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June 29, 2022
- Conference Session
- Page Count
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16
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--41515
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/41515
- Download Count
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407
Paper Authors
Mohammed Noor-A-Alam Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Dr. Noor-A-Alam accomplished his Ph.D. with Energy Science & Engineering major from The University of Texas at El Paso. He has been serving as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Indiana University Purdue University Columbus since August 2018. He also served as a faculty member of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso and Washington State University. He started his academic career as a faculty member in the department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. He published several journal articles and conference papers, and presented his work in various national and international conferences. His research focuses on nano-structured materials for energy devices, thin films, thermal barrier coatings for next generation gas turbine technology, nano-composite materials, biodegradable polymer composites, vehicle emission monitoring and control using IoT, and engineering education. His teaching interest includes fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, energy systems engineering, mechanics of materials, engineering analysis, mathematical methods for mechanical engineers, statics, dynamics etc.
Julie Mendez Indiana University Purdue University, Columbus
Dr. Julie Mendez is a Clinical Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC), where she teaches a variety of undergraduate courses, primarily in the areas of thermal-fluid science and design. She is a Senior Faculty Fellow of the Indiana University Mosaic Active Learning Initiative and a recipient of an Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award. Julie earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Her scholarly interests include active learning strategies and alternative grading practices.
Abstract
While the use of technology in education has been rapidly increasing worldwide, the diversity and availability of information and study materials have been increasing at an even faster rate. However, presenting and explaining key course concepts in an effective and organized manner, as well as involving students in interactive learning experiences, are still key parts of teaching in higher education, more specifically, in achieving the educational objectives in the fundamental courses of science and engineering programs. Keeping this in prime consideration, the use of concept maps in basic engineering courses has been very effective and has gained growing attention in recent years. This work studied the use of a concept map in an undergraduate dynamics class. A two-phase hierarchical approach was used to construct two concept maps which were then demonstrated in the beginning of the course to allow students to see the key points of the entire course. The concept maps took the form of trees, with topics branching up from two broad topic areas at the bottom: dynamics of particles and dynamics of rigid bodies. The entire tree was climbed up as the course progressed. The students were asked to build their own concept map at the end of the semester with the goal of stimulating creativity as delineated by constructivism in contemporary pedagogy. A survey was carried out at the end of the course to study student perceptions of using the concept map. While students expressed different opinions on several questions, 100% of the participant students responded “I agree” to the survey item “The concept map was a useful resource for in-class activities”.
Noor-A-Alam, M., & Mendez, J. (2022, August), Construction and Use of a Concept Map in an Undergraduate Dynamics Class Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41515
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