The Effect of an Open-Ended Design Experience on Student Achievement in an Engineering Laboratory Course

Authors

  • Matthew Cullin University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Getu Hailu University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Matthew Kupilik University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Todd Petersen University of Alaska Anchorage

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v7i4.7328

Keywords:

project based learning, design challenge, mechanical engineering, laboratory

Abstract


This study explores the effect of incorporating an Open-Ended Design Experience (OEDE) into an undergraduate materials science laboratory taken by third-year mechanical engineering students. The focus of the OEDE was carbon fiber reinforced plastics and sandwich structures. The results indicate that the incorporation of OEDE’s in laboratory courses produces significant benefits in terms of student engagement, participation, and perception of competence. In addition, the OEDE was found to enhance students’ ability to apply related concepts as compared to non-OEDE lab activities. The authors conclude that the incorporation of OEDE’s can increase the effectiveness of engineering laboratory courses.

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Published

2017-11-24

How to Cite

Cullin, M., Hailu, G., Kupilik, M., & Petersen, T. (2017). The Effect of an Open-Ended Design Experience on Student Achievement in an Engineering Laboratory Course. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 7(4), pp. 102–116. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v7i4.7328

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 4 (2017)

Section

Papers

License

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