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Work in Progress: Inquiry-Based Lessons for Introduction to Engineering Instruction

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Conference

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Location

Virtual On line

Publication Date

June 22, 2020

Start Date

June 22, 2020

End Date

June 26, 2021

Conference Session

First-Year Programs: Unique Projects & Pedagogies

Tagged Division

First-Year Programs

Page Count

25

DOI

10.18260/1-2--35654

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/35654

Download Count

736

Paper Authors

biography

Michelle M. Blum Syracuse University

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Dr. Blum is interested in research in improving undergraduate engineering education; including development of inquiry based activities for first year engineering courses, improvement of student design projects, hands-on activities, professional skills development and inclusion and outreach activities. Dr. Blum also specializes in high performance materials development and characterization for tribological (friction and wear), structural, and biomedical applications.

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Abstract

This Work in Progress describes efforts to introduce Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) instruction to an introduction to engineering course. Inquiry-based approaches uses inductive teaching strategies. The class is Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science for Mechanical Engineers. It is a required class for incoming freshman students that is held in the fall semester. The motivation behind this Work in Progress is to address the problem that even though education research has proven inductive learning promotes deeper and longer retention of information; most university engineering classes are still primarily lecture based. Therefore, students are oblivious to the benefits of the methods and thus are resistant to the learning approaches. The method employed to aid this problem was developing a series of worksheets that use IBL strategies to introduce introductory engineering material. Preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of this approach was conducted by comparing summative exams and real-time assessment of student thoughts using a daily in-class reflection. Preliminary analysis of the exam comparison and student reflections is promising. From student reflections, the majority of the students filled out the statement sections of the reflection sheet. Fewer students filled out the question portion, indicating that they comprehended the IBL lessons. Initial exam comparisons indicated that the IBL approaches support increased student learning of the conceptual aspects of technical concepts.

Blum, M. M. (2020, June), Work in Progress: Inquiry-Based Lessons for Introduction to Engineering Instruction Paper presented at 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual On line . 10.18260/1-2--35654

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