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Redesigning a Cornerstone Course, Lessons Learned from a Pandemic

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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

First-Year Programs Division (FYP) - Technical Session 1: Course Design

Tagged Division

First-Year Programs Division (FYP)

Page Count

15

DOI

10.18260/1-2--44048

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/44048

Download Count

131

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Paper Authors

biography

Catalina Cortazar Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

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Catalina Cortazar is an Assistant Teaching Professor at DiLab Engineering Design at the School of Engineering at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Catalina holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science at PUC, a MFA in Design and Technology at Parsons The New School for Design, a MA in Media Studies at the The New School and a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, with a concentration in Structural Design at PUC.

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biography

Isabel Hilliger P.E. Pontificia Universidad Catholica de Chile Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0001-5270-7655

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Isabel Hilliger is Assistant Professor of Practice and Associate Director for Assessment and Evaluation at the Engineering Education Unit in Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC-Chile). Isabel received a BEng and PhD in Engineering Sciences from PUC-Chile, and an MA in Policy Organizati

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biography

Gabriel Astudillo Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile

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Gabriel Astudillo is Coordinator for Measurement and Evaluation at the Engineering School in Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC-Chile). Gabriel received an MA in Social Sciences from Universidad de Chile.

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Abstract

This evidence-based paper describes the process of implementing and evaluating a flipped classroom approach, in conjunction with a project-based learning methodology, in a remote Cornerstone Engineering course and how it was kept in the face-to-face return. In the first year, cornerstone engineering courses are taught mainly using project-based learning. This methodology allows students to develop teamwork and communication skills and promotes critical thinking allowing students to solve real-world problems. Traditionally, project-based learning courses are taught face-to-face. Due to COVID-19, educational institutions were forced to move from face-to-face teaching to remote teaching and learning. In this new setting, enhancing online teamwork became a challenge. In order to promote teamwork, a flipped classroom methodology with project-based learning was introduced into a Cornerstone Course during the lockdown in 2020. The flipped classroom is a teaching methodology where students learn the concepts before class meetings. In the classroom, the students apply the concepts learned asynchronously. This methodology allows students to take responsibility for their learning and to interact with their peers during classroom hours. It also allows professors to have a more productive time with students. In 2022, educational institutions returned to face-to-face teaching; this course was no exception. The teaching team maintained the flipped classroom methodology with project-based learning face-to-face. A survey was conducted to understand the students' perceptions concerning this methodology. The survey took place at the middle and end of the semester in conjunction with a small discussion group once the semester finished. The student body values the activities in class, where collaboration and teamwork are encouraged. However, they perceive an additional burden by having to watch videos before class. This article contributes to Engineering Education by providing guidelines for implementing a flipped classroom in a Cornerstone project-based learning (PBL) course.

Cortazar, C., & Hilliger, I., & Astudillo, G. (2023, June), Redesigning a Cornerstone Course, Lessons Learned from a Pandemic Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--44048

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