High intensity learning of CAD empowered by a six-T-system

Abstract

This paper presents how individual learning of CAD can effectively be enhanced by a system of six interlinked components. This CAD course aims at lifting as many students as possible to a preferably high and well-defined level of competence. At the same time, the teacher's workload can be kept within limits that allow him or her to spend the majority of his or her capacity on supporting the individual student. In order to reach this aim in spite of common unfavourable teaching conditions a complex pedagogical concept of individual learning in large groups has been developed. The six key elements of this concept are the following: - Tutorials: Imparting content and methods by way of video-tutorials, including adoption of the new material by becoming actively involved. - Training: Practicing the new material by repeating and training CAD strategies and software commands up to firm mastering. - Transfer: Transfer of the newly acquired competences to more sophisticated problems based on successful completion of the component’s tutorial and training. - Team-Tutoring: Support in case of problems is given promptly by networking in learning groups of four. - Tutor-Attestation: Permanent and immediate feedback on the participant´s own learning progress is provided by the tutor. - Trust: The experience of successfully traversing through the different stages provides trust in the lecturer and in the concepts taught, thus accelerating the learning process. This course has already been carried out several times with great success at three universities and has been further optimised.