scholarly journals DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK TO EVALUATE INDIVIDUAL LEARNING IN ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEMS – PART 2: ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUAL LEARNING IN TEAM ENVIRONMENTS

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Balakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Individual Learning ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Engineering Design Problems ◽  
University Of Manitoba ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The University

Engineers often model their teaching based on how they expect students to function once they graduate, and as a result they typically have a strong affinity for Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Team-Based Learning (TBL) approaches. In many cases, this works quite well and has been proven to increase student engagement and performance of design teams. At the same time, as more of the curriculum relies on group projects, there is a simple dilemma that is created: how do you ensure that the learning outcomes a team demonstrates are accurate reflections of what each individual in the team is learning? This rarely poses a challenge in engineering practice, as engineers are expected to specialize, but in an outcome-based accreditation, this can become a serious issue if there isn’t a careful consideration of this in the structure of TBL courses. This paper explores the application of an evaluative framework to a course with strong PBL and TBL components that is set up to ensure that students are not only exposed to all learning outcomes as they tackle a project, but are individually evaluated on their ability to show competence in these outcomes. The prime methodology of this framework is an evaluative tool called an "open-ended design exam" that uses a 1:1 mapping of team and individual learning, with scaffolding in the course frameworks to support this. This paper presents application of this approach to two courses developed at the University of Manitoba, outcomes and responses to the course layout, and suggestions for extensions to other courses or programs.

scholarly journals DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK TO EVALUATE INDIVIDUAL LEARNING IN ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEMS – PART 1: TEACHING THROUGH SIMULACRA OF REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Balakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Real World ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Design Engineers ◽  
Engineering Design Problems ◽  
University Of Manitoba ◽  
The University ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Real World Problems

In the context of teaching design, engineers often have a strong preference for problem-based learning because the skills they are trying to teach are intrinsic to the solving of design problems. The proliferation of problem-based learning (PBL) in capstone and now cornerstone engineering design courses is well supported by industry and faculty and the trend has been towards seeing more PBL in engineering design courses. This paper explores the basic selection of engineering design problems and presents a fairly simple dilemma: the skills that are required to solve a problem are not necessarily the skills that are taught by the problem if the problem is truly open-ended. This paper presents the idea of using engineering problems that are carefully constructed simulacra of real-world problems with built in scaffolding to create PBL experiences for students that are educationally complete and meaningful. This paper presents examples from two courses developed at the University of Manitoba based on this approach, outcomes of and responses to the course layout, and ideas for how this model can be extended to other courses or programs.

Standards, Codes of Practice and Expert Systems

1988 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
E G McCluskey ◽  
S Thompson ◽  
D M G McSherry
Keyword(s):  
Expert System ◽  
Expert Systems ◽  
Engineering Design ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Codes Of Practice ◽  
Engineering Design Problems ◽  
And Performance

Many engineering design problems require reference to standards or codes of practice to ensure that acceptable safety and performance criteria are met. Extracting relevant data from such documents can, however, be a problem for the unfamiliar user. The use of expert systems to guide the retrieval of information from standards and codes of practice is proposed as a means of alleviating this problem. Following a brief introduction to expert system techniques, a tool developed by the authors for building expert system guides to standards and codes of practice is described. The steps involved in encoding the knowledge contained in an arbitrarily chosen standard are illustrated. Finally, a typical consultation illustrates the use of the expert system guide to the standard.

scholarly journals SRIFA: Stochastic Ranking with Improved-Firefly-Algorithm for Constrained Optimization Engineering Design Problems

Mathematics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Balande ◽  
Deepti Shrimankar
Keyword(s):  
Constrained Optimization ◽  
Engineering Design ◽  
Real World ◽  
Optimization Design ◽  
Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Improved Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Engineering Design Problems ◽  
And Performance

Firefly-Algorithm (FA) is an eminent nature-inspired swarm-based technique for solving numerous real world global optimization problems. This paper presents an overview of the constraint handling techniques. It also includes a hybrid algorithm, namely the Stochastic Ranking with Improved Firefly Algorithm (SRIFA) for solving constrained real-world engineering optimization problems. The stochastic ranking approach is broadly used to maintain balance between penalty and fitness functions. FA is extensively used due to its faster convergence than other metaheuristic algorithms. The basic FA is modified by incorporating opposite-based learning and random-scale factor to improve the diversity and performance. Furthermore, SRIFA uses feasibility based rules to maintain balance between penalty and objective functions. SRIFA is experimented to optimize 24 CEC 2006 standard functions and five well-known engineering constrained-optimization design problems from the literature to evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of SRIFA. It can be seen that the overall computational results of SRIFA are better than those of the basic FA. Statistical outcomes of the SRIFA are significantly superior compared to the other evolutionary algorithms and engineering design problems in its performance, quality and efficiency.

scholarly journals Centralised classification of library materials- a benchmarking study.

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (74) ◽  
pp. 23-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Weaver ◽  
Eileen Hiller ◽  
Ian Jennings ◽  
Jennifer Brook ◽  
Heather Moreton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subject Area ◽  
Library Management ◽  
Matching Process ◽  
Management Group ◽  
Bibliographic Records ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The University ◽  
Subject Indexing ◽  
The Impact

The Library Management Group of The University Of Huddersfield set up a pilot study to examine altemative procedures for classifying and cataloguing library material in the Health sciences. The study tested the impact of using classification and subject index terms in bibliographic records for titles in the health subject area. The work of the group concentrated on two areas: -establishing a benchmark for throughput in Technical Services in terms of speed, cost and availability of externally supplied class numbers -analysis of differences in classification numbers and subject indexing terms between those human assigned and system assigned. Samples of data were analysed using SPSS software; a fuzzy matching process was undertaken for the subject string analysis. The results showed considerable savings to be made in terms of both speed and cost. lt was instrumental in the decision to change the existing method of acquiring classification numbers.The hit rate for records and the impact on the shelf arrangement were at an acceptable level. The study produced reliable information to provide a benchmark for future developments (for exarnple outsourcing shelf ready books) and performance indicators.

MOOCs – A Challenge or an Opportunity

2015 ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keld Hvam
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Adaptive Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Individual Learning ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Individual Student ◽  
Personal Learning ◽  
Learning Path ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Individual

This article discusses whether universities should create some MOOCs themselves or use the existing ones constructively in their teaching – thus meeting the potential challenges head-on and turning these into opportunities. After presenting various definitions the writer goes on to discuss whether MOOCs are a challenge or an opportunity for universities. The answer to this question depends on the strategies adopted by the individual university. Therefore, a strategy for embedding MOOCs in current courses is presented. It seems that we are moving towards teaching and learning in networks rather than following the centuries-old linear thinking. Lecturers will agree with their students what their individual learning goals are – so there will be much more focus on goals or aims (learning outcomes), and a system will then be set up in which the individual student is motivated to seek and identify his or her own personal learning path towards that goal – also called adaptive learning. And MOOCs can be an integral part of this.

Quantified Relations: A Class of Predicate Logic Design Constraints Among Sets of Manufacturing, Operating, and Other Variations

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
William W. Finch ◽  
Allen C. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Predicate Logic ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Causal Relationships ◽  
Engineering Systems ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Engineering Design Problems ◽  
Computing Effort ◽  
And Performance

Abstract This paper addresses a class of engineering design problems in which multiple sources of variations affect a product’s design, manufacture, and performance. Examples of these sources include uncertainty in nominal dimensions, variations in manufacture, changing environmental or operating conditions, and operator adjustments. Quantified relations (QR’s) are defined as a class of predicate logic expressions representing constraints between sets of design variations. Within QR’s, each variable’s quantifier and the order of quantification express a physical system’s causal relationships. This paper also presents an algorithm which propagates intervals through QR’s involving continuous, monotonic equations. Causal relationships between variables in engineering systems are discussed, and a tabular representation for them is presented. This work aims to broaden the application of automated constraint satisfaction algorithms, shortening design cycles for this class of problem by reducing modeling, and possibly computing effort. It seems to subsume Ward’s prior work on the Label Interval Calculus, extending the approach to a wider range of engineering design problems.

scholarly journals EVALUATING STUDENT DESIGN ACTIVITY IN ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECTS

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Petkau ◽  
D. D. Mann
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Design Activity ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
University Of Manitoba ◽  
Design Projects ◽  
The University

Student design projects in engineering courses are usually short term conceptual design problems. Upon completion of the projects it is difficult to assess which design activities had the greatest contribution to the success of the design. In the fall of 2006, students in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year Design Trilogy courses at the University of Manitoba were asked to keep extensive design journals. Design teams consisted of multiyear students completing various industry projects. Student design activities recorded in the journals were coded. Data were compared between design teams and between students in the different years of study. This paper describes the evaluation process and reports on the preliminary findings.

scholarly journals Understanding CEAB's Graduate Attributes Criterion As A Department: The University Of Manitoba Biosystems' Experience

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danny D Mann ◽  
Jason Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Course Development ◽  
Graduate Attributes ◽  
The Past ◽  
University Of Manitoba ◽  
The University ◽  
Preparatory Exercises

With the approach of the accreditation visit by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, it falls to the faculties and departments to interpret, understand and transition into use the latest accreditation criterion on graduate attributes. Over the past two years Biosystems has utilized our small size to perform several preparatory exercises to understand graduate attributes and how they relate to classes offered by our department. This has included several iterations of assessing the level of competency expected from students, an explanation of how attributes are developed by each course, development of learning outcomes, an integration of these ideas into course outlines and a preliminary investigation into how to report these items in a summative and informative manner. This work presents the process followed, observations on how it could be shortened and a brief discussion of the difficulties aligning course-based assessments to curriculum wide needs.

scholarly journals A WORKSHOP COURSE FOR OPEN-ENDED ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEMS

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
William W. Melek ◽  
Gordon D. Stubley
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Design Evaluation ◽  
Recent Experience ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Engineering Design Problems ◽  
Design Workshop ◽  
The University ◽  
Enhanced Learning

This paper presents the main findings of recent experience in teaching open-ended design workshops for 3rd year undergraduate students at the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering of the University of Waterloo. The paper offers several observations gathered from teaching this course two consecutive years with different classroom lecture format and project(s) scope/expectations. Based on a comparative study between the two offerings, we identify several strategies that contributed to a more enhanced learning experience during the modified course offering. Keywords: open-ended design, evaluation criteria, design workshop

Preferences and Correlated Uncertainties in Engineering Design

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomonori Honda ◽  
Erik K. Antonsson
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Design Variable ◽  
Design Space ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Engineering Design Problems ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
And Performance

The Method of Imprecision (MOI) is a multi-objective design method that maximizes the overall degree of both design and performance preferences. Sets of design variables are iteratively selected, and the corresponding performances are approximately computed. The designer’s judgment (expressed as preferences) are combined (aggregated) with the customer’s preferences, to determine the overall preference for sets of points in the design space. In addition to degrees of preference for values of the design and performance variables, engineering design problems also typically include uncertainties caused by uncontrolled variations, for example, measuring and fabrication limitations. This paper illustrates the computation of expected preference for cases where the uncertainties are uncorrelated, and also where the uncertainties are correlated. The result is a “best” set of design variable values for engineering problems, where the overall aggregated preference is maximized. As is illustrated by the examples shown here, where both preferences and uncontrolled variations are present, the presence of uncertainties can have an important effect on the choice of the overall best set of design variable values.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document