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Understanding Expert Perceptions of PBL Integration in Introductory Aerospace Engineering Courses: Thematic Analysis of Focus Groups with PBL and Aerospace Engineering Instructors

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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

Problem- and Project-Based Learning

Tagged Division

Educational Research and Methods Division (ERM)

Page Count

18

DOI

10.18260/1-2--44536

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/44536

Download Count

214

Paper Authors

biography

Andrew Olewnik University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

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Andrew Olewnik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at the University at Buffalo. His research includes undergraduate engineering education with focus on engineering design, problem-based learning, co-curricular involvement and its impact on professional formation, and the role of reflection practices in supporting engineering undergraduates as they transition from student to professional.

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biography

Laine Schrewe University at Buffalo Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0003-2316-6065

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Laine Schrewe has been an engineering instructor for Tolles Career and Technical Center with a satellite classroom in Jonathan Alder High School (Plain City, Ohio) for eight years. Before becoming a teacher, Laine was an engine design engineer for Honda R&D.

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Scott M. Ferguson North Carolina State University at Raleigh

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Dr. Scott Ferguson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State University.

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Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) is gaining momentum in engineering education as a student-centered teaching approach that engages students in problems that mirror realities of practicing. While the goal of this pedagogical approach is to more authentically prepare and train students for success in the field, it can be both challenging and frustrating for faculty to effectively implement. In this research paper, the opinions of faculty experts from aerospace engineering and PBL are considered. Data were collected through two structured focus groups to identify areas deemed critical for the transition of an introductory, second-year aerospace engineering course to PBL at an R1 university on the East Coast of the United States. Four different dimensions of PBL integration were considered: design, learning objectives, implementation/facilitation, and assessment. Through a thematic analysis of focus group transcripts, results showed that while the experts identified many areas that were critical to consider during this transition, there are important areas of divergence among the expert groups. In fact, areas of distinct opposition were exposed. This study highlights the importance of considering feedback from both content/technical experts and pedagogical design experts during the development and integration of PBL and lays the groundwork for further exploration of if and how consensus between these two groups can be found to support improved curriculum development.

Olewnik, A., & Schrewe, L., & Ferguson, S. M. (2023, June), Understanding Expert Perceptions of PBL Integration in Introductory Aerospace Engineering Courses: Thematic Analysis of Focus Groups with PBL and Aerospace Engineering Instructors Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--44536

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