Application of experiential learning to improve student engagement and experience in a mechanical engineering course. (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Huaizhong; Öchsner, Andreas; Hall, Wayne
• Is Part Of: European journal of engineering education. Volume 44:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: Engineering education -- experiential learning -- machine design -- machine elements -- project-based learning; Engineering -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 620.007114
• DOI: 10.1080/03043797.2017.1402864
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3797

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper introduced how a mechanical engineering course was redesigned by applying experiential learning theory to improve student engagement and learning experience. Design of machine elements has been considered by students to be a difficult course. Traditional teaching methods tend not to be effective in engaging students. Experiential learning is a philosophy of learning by doing. In applying an experiential learning approach to the course, the design project and workshop activities were restructured in such a way that students were engaged in direct experience and focused reflection to construct knowledge. By exploring a physical gearbox model, working on subtasks for the design project, having group discussions, raising questions, getting feedback, and moving forward for next subtasks, students experienced the learning cycles of 'DO, OBSERVE, THINK, and PLAN' many times. Course survey results showed that application of experiential learning helped to improve student engagement and learning experience significantly.