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Project Based Active Learning Endeavors for Freshman and Sophomore Engineering Majors at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Abstract

With support from HBCU-UP (Historically Black College and University – Undergraduate Program) at National Science Foundation (NSF), the ACTION (Advanced Curriculum and Technology-Based Instructional Opportunities Network) program at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is promoting inquiry based active learning and research projects among undergraduate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) majors. This paper highlights efforts of selected freshman and sophomore engineering majors while performing ACTION projects at UMES. Integration of Lego-Mindstorm Robotic Invention System as well as ProEngineer and ProMechanica software for solid modeling and analysis are the focus of the reported endeavors. Involvement in ACTION projects have not only reinforced concepts introduced in classroom setting but have inspired students to be engaged in the process of learning and discovery well beyond expectations of the course syllabi, format, and structure.

1. Introduction

Undergraduate research projects provide students with opportunities to think like a scientist or engineer, [1] increases student participation in interdisciplinary, authentic problem solving [2] and help universities move from teaching oriented to learning centered. [3]

The “Academic Excellence” [4] study reveals the value that all institutions place on undergraduate research. Twenty – five (25) percent of all published papers include student authors. Undergraduate research is a way of focusing and guiding the undergraduate experience, rather than solely serving as a preparation for graduate school, and is a major opportunity to demonstrate to accreditation agencies and other organizations that students are performing at enhanced levels. [5]

Undergraduate research programs are held on numerous colleges and universities nationally. A substantial number of universities have begun to realize that undergraduate research is a real asset, thus they are identifying more resources and expanding opportunities to involve more students. [6] Consequently, UMES designed the Advanced Curriculum and Technology-Based Instruction Opportunities Network (ACTION) sponsored by the National Science Foundation to support a variety of initiatives to improve undergraduate experiences in the STEM disciplines including the Complete Research Cycle (CRC). The CRC provides opportunities for STEM students, along with their faculty mentors, a complete exposure to the common aspects associated with sponsored research. Too often, undergraduate research projects are concluded without formally presenting results in scholarly venues including professional meetings,

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Nagchaudhuri, A., & Smith, W., & Poddalgoda, U., & Omar, O. A., & Jarrett, A., & Redden, A., & Seaton, D., & Johnson, R. (2006, June), Project Based Active Learning Involving Freshman And Sophomore Engineering Majors At University Of Maryland Eastern Shore Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--290