Work in Progress - Strategies for Stimulating Engineering Relevance in Statics Education
- 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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13
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--40689
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/40689
- Download Count
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326
Paper Authors
Sridhar Condoor Saint Louis University
Professor with a demonstrated history of working in the design innovation and technology entrepreneurship areas. Skilled in Innovation Management, Applied Research & Product Design, Entrepreneurship, and Training Next Generation Innovators and Entrepreneurs.
Sanjay Jayaram Saint Louis University
Jalil Kianfar Saint Louis University
Dr. Jalil Kianfar is an associate professor of civil engineering at Saint Louis University and a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in the state of Missouri. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. Kianfar has five years of industry experience as a traffic engineer that informs his teaching, research and service. Dr. Kianfar research interests and background includes smart cities and connected and autonomous vehicles, traffic operations and roadway safety, and construction zones and work zone traffic control. Dr. Kianfar work has been supported by Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), among others. Dr. Kianfar also has an interest in engineering education research including blended learning environments, active and collaborative learning, and STEM outreach. He is a member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He is a certified Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) and Road Safety Professional (RSP I).
Abstract
Most engineering students take statics as their first engineering science course. A weak understanding of this subject can cause significant learning impediments in subsequent classes. Students see statics as an extension of physics rather than an introductory engineering course. For instructors and researchers, the answer to "how to make statics relevant to engineers?" appears elusive.
This paper recommends specific strategies, with several examples, to increase engineering relevance. These strategies are simple to incorporate and designed to improve student learning. They form a five-step approach that aims to help students develop skills beyond basic algorithmic problem-solving. These steps are: 1. Start with the purpose. 2. Foster qualitative reasoning. 3. Nurture quantitative problem-solving skills. 4. Create design and research experiences. 5. Integrate digital tools.
These steps build on each other to help students develop and retain skills and solve ill-defined engineering problems. This paper provides a rationale for each learning strategy with examples. It also presents a preliminary assessment. In short, the strategies presented can ignite students’ interest and engagement by providing purpose and autonomy to their learning.
Condoor, S., & Jayaram, S., & Kianfar, J. (2022, August), Work in Progress - Strategies for Stimulating Engineering Relevance in Statics Education Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--40689
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