A detailed research study of learning and teaching core chemical engineering to a high standard in a mixed-ability small class in industry. (2nd November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davey, Kenneth
• Is Part Of: European journal of engineering education. Volume 42:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 775
• Page End: 799
• Publication Date: 2017-11-02
• Subjects: Chemical engineering -- mixed-ability class -- learning and teaching in industry -- engineering higher education; Engineering -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 620.007114
• DOI: 10.1080/03043797.2016.1224817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3797

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A detailed study of learning and teaching (L&T) of chemical engineering distillation to a mixed-ability small class of 13 students who are ordinarily full-time in-house employees in industry is reported. The course consisted of 9 × 2-h lectures (18 hours) and 9 × 2-h tutorials (18 hours). It was delivered over nine business days in situ in an established distillery. The purpose was to (re)learn core distillation of ethanol–water mixes at the level of higher education of a bachelor programme. There was 90% broad agreement that the course encouraged more learning. Students (40%) felt the course was too mathematical, however. Pointedly, there was good agreement (63%) that the course stimulated communication with each other professionally, and customers of the distillery. Results overall provide good evidence that students valued their L&T. The experimental design(s) could be readily applied to a range of fields of knowledge.