scholarly journals A Cornerstone Design Module in First Year Engineering

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Ostafichuk ◽  
David Sommer ◽  
Carol P. Jaeger
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
First Year ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Stakeholder Consultation ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Safety Risks ◽  
System Components ◽  
Final Exams ◽  
The University ◽  
Online Form

This paper describes a new five-week cornerstone design module at the conclusion of first year engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC).The objective of this cornerstone module is to bringtogether the multiple course themes—developed over the preceding six modules and 18 academic weeks—into a single, integrative and culminating experience. The module builds on the previous course topics, andspecifically emphasizes design, stakeholder consultation, prototyping, sustainability, and communication in a unified project experience. Through a mix of analytical and physical prototyping, teams design a pilot rainwater harvester system for small, remote communities. Teams specify the system components in their design, and submit those through an online form. All systems are then simulated off-line in a detailed MATLAB model that tracks weather, physical performance, cost, maintenance, healthand safety risks, and more. The culminating event for the module is a formal oral presentation followed by a timelapse video of the simulations of the different teams’ rainwater harvester system designs.The outcomes to the module have been very positive.The module has successfully run for three years with over 400 teams. Feedback through surveys shows students find the cornerstone project meaningful and helpful in developing their ability to use simulation and numerical modelling in design. Students have also rated the module highly in terms of the relevance to their degree, and the importance of the learning outcomes to engineers.Primary challenges noted to date include inequities instudent workload within a team, due to shifting priorities as final exams approach, and ability to update the project each year to maintain a new challenge for each cohort.

scholarly journals Repeated Negative Teaching Evaluations: A Form of Habitual Behaviour?

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 298-321
Author(s):  
J Paul Grayson
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Generational Status ◽  
First Year ◽  
Not Given ◽  
Campus Engagement ◽  
Teaching Evaluations ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Mcgill University ◽  
The University ◽  
Do So

Teaching evaluations have become part of life on Canadian campuses; however, there is no agreement among researchers as to their validity. In this article, comparisons were made between first- and third-year collective evaluations of professors’ performance at the University of British Columbia, York University, and McGill University. Overall, it was found that students who provided low evaluations in their first year were also likely to do so in their third year. This effect held independent of degree of campus engagement, sex, student status (domestic or international), and generational status (students who were the first in their families to attend university, compared to those who were not). Given that over the course of their studies, students likely would have been exposed to a range of different behaviours on the part of their professors, it is argued that the propensity of a large number of students to give consistently low evaluations was a form of “habitual behaviour.”  

Implementation of Learning Outcomes in Mathematics for Non-Mathematics Major by Using E-Learning

2012 ◽  
pp. 119-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Divjak
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Social Software ◽  
First Year ◽  
Technology Enhanced Learning ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Undergraduate Study ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The University

Learning outcomes are considered to be a key tool for student-centered teaching and learning. They can be successfully implemented in teaching and learning mathematics on higher educational level and together with appropriate level of technology enhanced learning can provide the framework for successful learning process even for students that have not been primarily interested in mathematics. The aim is to present the case study of implementation of learning outcomes and e-learning in several mathematical courses at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics of the University of Zagreb. First of all, there are examples of mathematical courses in the first year since the first study year is crucial for retaining students. Further, there are mathematical courses taught at higher years of undergraduate study and the first year of graduate study. Again, educational process is appropriately supported by ICT and executed through blended e-learning, as well as the use of social software.

scholarly journals A MODEL TO DEVELOP PEER FEEDBACK SKILLS IN FIRST-YEAR ENGINEERING STUDENTS

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Mattucci ◽  
Jim Sibley ◽  
Jonathan Nakane ◽  
Peter Ostafichuk
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Students ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Professional Communication ◽  
First Year ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Feedback Model ◽  
Poster Presentations ◽  
The University ◽  
Proper Interpretation

Abstract – Giving and receiving feedback is a necessary, but often difficult skill for young engineers to acquire. We developed and piloted the delivery of a feedback model as part of the first-year engineering experience at the University of British Columbia. The approach is based on recognizing feedback as a form of professional communication, and that it requires practice to improve. We wove different aspects of communication skill development through two large newly-designed first-year introduction to engineering courses, building towards face-to-face feedback through a staged series of communication experiences. The full feedback model highlighted the nuances of face-to-face communication, and was called the "3×3", since it includes the three components involved in face-to-face feedback (sender, message, and receiver), each with three associated aspects. The sender uses appropriate words and body language, ensures proper interpretation, and is empathetic; the message is objective and non-judgmental, sufficiently detailed, and contains suggestions for improvement; and the receiver remains open and listening, acknowledges to the sender that they are listening, and clarifies to ensure understanding. Students applied what they had learned through an activity reviewing poster presentations from a major course design project. In the activity, they each had an opportunity to craft a feedback message before delivering the message face-to-face to a peer. Students then reflected on the feedback they received by summarizing the message, recognizing how the sender delivered the feedback, and identifying why the feedback was helpful. Student reflections were analyzed for themes from the 3×3 model. Students found feedback from peers particularly helpful when it was delivered in an appropriate and courteous manner, checked for proper interpretation, provided clear suggestions for improvement, and was coupled with praise of something that was done well. Providing students with a structured model allows them to follow a process in both providing effective face-to-face feedback, but also better appreciate why receiving feedback is beneficial in helping them improve.  

scholarly journals DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERACTIVE ONLINE ETHICS SCENARIO ACTIVITY FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Ostafichuk ◽  
Carol P. Jaeger ◽  
Jonathan Nakane
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Ethical Decision ◽  
Ethical Decision Making ◽  
Student Feedback ◽  
First Year ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Unethical Behaviour ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
The University

This paper describes development and deployment of an online interactive ethical decision-making simulation.  This tool was piloted in a first-year introduction to engineering course at the University of British Columbia.  It used a “choose your own adventure” style of decision-making and narrative to add realism and engagement to what was otherwise viewed by students as dry, uninteresting content.  After storyboarding using sticky notes and Visio, the final tool used by students was implemented and deployed using a survey tool (Qualtrics). It featured a scenario with initially incomplete information and the appearance of unethical behaviour by others.  It included decision-based branching, but also randomization such that different groups had the story unfold differently, even if they made the same initial decisions.  Student feedback on this tool was very positive, suggesting this style of interactive online ethics simulation could be an effective tool for enhancing engagement and learning.

scholarly journals Understanding the University and Faculty Investment in Implementing High-Impact Educational Practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison White
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
High Impact ◽  
First Year ◽  
Educational Practices ◽  
High Impact Practices ◽  
Completion Agenda ◽  
Cumulative Learning ◽  
The University

A variety of assessment options utilizing high-impact educational practices have emerged to assist faculty in higher education with college student learning outcomes. High-impact practices are defined as teaching and learning designs which have been demonstrated to increase student engagement and persistence. Practices such as first-year seminars, tech-rich learning communities, collaborative projects, undergrad research, global/diversity learning, service learning, practicums, and internships are educational tools making it possible to assess the practices’ contribution to students’ cumulative learning. However, utilization of these practices is unsystematic due in part to the required investment of time, training, and money. This paper describes high-impact practices that support course and program level learning outcomes in conjunction with the investments for implementation. Exploration into why these types of practices are effective and which students have access to them emphasizes the need for this investment to meet accreditation standards and the mandates of our government’s “completion agenda” geared towards preparing America’s future workforce.

scholarly journals MOTIVATION BEHIND INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS CHOOSING ENGINEERING

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Abelló ◽  
Alys Avalos-Rivera ◽  
Gabriel Potvin ◽  
Saloome Motavas ◽  
Vladan Prodanovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Family Influence ◽  
First Year ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Expectancy Value ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Utility Cost ◽  
The University ◽  
Program Data ◽  
Relevant Factors

This paper reports on a pilot study that investigated what motivated a group of first-year international students in the Vantage College program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to pursue a degree in engineering. The study also sought to examine whether students report changes in their motivation as a result of completing their first year in our program. Data were collected through an open-ended survey provided to our cohort of 69 students, from which we received 66 responses. The results were analyzed qualitatively based on an expectancy value theoretical framework (focused on interest, utility, cost, and attainment.) The findings showed strong agreement with interest and utility as motivating factors, little agreement with attainment and cost as relevant factors, and the presence of additional motivators not present in our initial framework. The strongest among the latter group was family influence, with ability also appearing, yet to a lower degree. Our results suggest that interest and utility are the strongest motivators (over one third of students), with family influence (about one quarter) and ability (about one eight) being less important. We found few instances of cost (about one tenth) and no significant instances of attainment; this may be because engineering identity is developed as a student progresses through the undergraduate program.

scholarly journals REDESIGNING THE UBC FIRST YEAR INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING: SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Ostafichuk ◽  
Carol P. Jaeger ◽  
Jon Nakane ◽  
Susan Nesbit ◽  
Naoko Ellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
First Year ◽  
Engineering Profession ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Practical Engineering ◽  
Assessment Techniques ◽  
High Level ◽  
The University

A new first year introduction to engineering experience was developed at the University of British Columbia. This paper provides an overview of the two new courses and the lessons learned both in developing and delivering the courses. Several key problematic areas in the previous curriculum were addressed, namely, to improve student connection with the engineering profession, increase design and practical engineering experiences, more effectively integrate sustainability into the curriculum, and better emphasize the human and social connection to engineering.The courses operate in a flexible learning framework with a sequence of online, lecture, and studio components arranged in a whole-part-whole format delivered to a class of 850 students. Elements of numerous effective course design, teaching and learning practices, including integrated course design, constructive alignment, components of Team-Based Learning, classroom assessment techniques, peer evaluation, and peer grading were incorporated into these courses. Student feedbackthrough surveys has shown that the new format has been highly successful in addressing most of the key high-level goals, such as establishing a student connection to the engineering profession, helping students understand what engineers do and how they do it, and providing an introduction and appreciation for design, sustainability, decision-making, professionalism, and ethics..

scholarly journals Teaching electronics to first-year non-electrical engineering students

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naim Dahnoun
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Course Delivery ◽  
Aerospace Engineering ◽  
First Year ◽  
Engineering Mathematics ◽  
University Of Bristol ◽  
The University

Teaching electronics is not only for electrical and electronics students but also for mechanical, aerospace, engineering design, civil and engineering mathematics programmes, which are likely to have electronics units as part of their curriculum. To teach electronics for these non-electronic programmes is very challenging in many aspects. First, the electronics unit has to satisfy the learning outcomes for each programme. Second, the student’s motivation is normally very low since electronics is not the career the students would like to pursue. Third, the timetabling can be an issue when a large number of students are enrolled; for instance, at the University of Bristol, over 340 students are registered for the electronics unit. Due to this large number and the capacity of the electrical laboratory, students will have laboratory experiments timetabled in different weeks and some may have laboratory experiments before the lectures are covered. Finally, a method of assessing this large number of students has to be put into place. In this paper, the content of the unit including the laboratory experiments, the methods of course delivery and the assessment methods are justified. Also, since students learn differently and have a variety of motivations, a combination of teaching methods has to be found to satisfy more students and improve the learning outcomes.

scholarly journals TEACHING ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION TO FIRST YEAR ENGINEERING STUDENTS

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Labun
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Written Communication ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Design Project ◽  
Engineering Communication ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
The University ◽  
Written Assignments

At the University of British Columbia Okanagan School of Engineering (SOE), first year engineering students take a 3-credit course in Engineering Communication. Designed to replace the traditional 3-credits of English taken by other first year students, APSC 176 introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering communication, with a strong emphasis on written communication. The paper is describes the types of assignments given to first year students, the techniques used to encourage meaningful revision of written assignments, and the methods used to evaluate written assignments. Particular attention will be paid to a two-week first term design project (such as the assignment, supplemental materials including exercises, and marking guidelines). It should be noted that the design is entirely conceptual - students are not required to develop a prototype, but rather to work with a team to develop (and subsequently, explain and market) a concept in response to an RFP.

scholarly journals Implementation of an Open Science Instruction Program for Undergraduates

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-161
Author(s):  
Sharon Hanna ◽  
Jason Pither ◽  
Mathew Vis-Dunbar
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Open Science ◽  
First Year ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Research Cycle ◽  
The World ◽  
Attitudinal Survey ◽  
The University

The scientific, social, and economic advantages that accrue from Open Science (OS) practices—ways of doing research that emphasize reproducibility, transparency, and accessibility at all stages of the research cycle—are now widely recognized in nations around the world and by international bodies such as the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. However, program wide or coordinated instruction of undergraduate students in OS practices remains uncommon. At the University of British Columbia in Canada, we have started to develop a comprehensive undergraduate OS program that can be adapted to and woven into diverse subject curricula. We report on the context and planning of the pilot module of the program, “Open Science 101”, its implementation in first-year Biology in Fall 2019, and qualitative results of an attitudinal survey of students following their course.

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