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Session 1639

Integrating Research into the Cost Engineering Classroom Heather Nachtmann University of Arkansas

Abstract

This paper is based on the author’s positive experience of integrating research into the classroom at two levels of engineering education, graduate and freshman. Several integrative teaching and research activities were conducted in a graduate Cost Estimation Models course. These activities included article reviews, presentation of current faculty research, and student research projects. The freshman level course, Industrial Cost Analysis, introduced students to various research activities including literature reviews and preparation of research presentations and reports. A brief overview of the relevant literature in this area is presented in this paper. Various methods and suggestions based upon these integrative classroom experiences are discussed.

Introduction

Engineering education researchers have recognized the importance of integrating research and education. 3, 7 The results of a recent survey of engineering economy educators 9 show that eighty-five percent of respondents who are conducting research in the field of engineering economy incorporate this research into their classrooms. These engineering economy educators have recognized the importance and benefit of doing this and are actively responding to the need to integrate research and teaching.

The current movement toward integrating research into the engineering economy classroom can benefit both the students and the professor. The integration of faculty research into the classroom has several potential benefits including: • reduces class preparation time, • extends traditional textbook material, • stimulates interest in the classroom, • motivates creativity, and • provides real world applications of classroom concepts. Keeping up with recent research developments enhances the intellectual content of the course and helps to keep the course content current. 11

Graduate Course

The graduate course, Cost Estimation Models, was developed and taught during the Fall 2000 semester. The course was delivered to 14 students onsite in the classroom and 15 distance students offsite via videotape. The general format of the course was lecture coupled with active learning exercises and discussions.

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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Nachtmann, H. (2001, June), Integrating Research Into The Cost Engineering Classroom Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9419