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An approach for in-class learning of mechanical engineering design subjects

Arnaldo Mazzei

Kettering University Mechanical Engineering Department 1700 West Third Av Flint, MI 48504 USA

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present a simple approach currently being used by the author for teaching mechanical engineering design courses at Kettering University.

Most basic engineering design courses currently being taught at the university are four-credit courses. These usually follow a format of two blocks (two hours) per week, with four hours of lecture or, when the course requires, a lecture and a laboratory (both consisting of two hours).

For basic design courses, where no laboratory is included or in-class activities are not required, the two-hour lecture blocks can be more efficiently utilized if part of the block is used for student learning of the material presented by the instructor instead of using the entire block just for instructor presentation.

This paper presents a simple idea for achieving this goal. The idea was implemented and tested in three distinct engineering courses, namely ME-309 (Vibrations), MECH 210 (Mechanics I – Statics), and MECH 310 (Mechanics III – Dynamics). For evaluation purposes, student feedback and comments are included in the text. An example that relates to the subject discussed is also given.

Introduction

In many universities basic mechanical engineering design courses are still taught in a traditional manner. The subjects are presented during lectures, following a textbook, and students are asked to solve homework problems in order to prepare for tests. Students are expected to follow and understand the lecture subject and, on their own time, work on homework problems. Following this approach, it is not uncommon to find a good amount of students trying to learn several distinct subjects and solve large amounts of homework (if the class does not require, for example, weekly homework) just before a scheduled exam.

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Mazzei, A. (2005, June), An Approach For In Class Learning Of Mechanical Engineering Design Subjects Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15132