Motivating student learning using biofuel-based activities

Abstract

Student learning is greatly enhanced when students are intrinsically motivated by the subject matter. For many students the topic of biofuels appeals to their intrinsic desire "to make a difference" with respect to the environment. At Kettering University an interdisciplinary group of engineers and scientists have found success in motivating students by introducing biofuel topics into the classroom and by offering undergraduate research and project experiences. Through these experiences students are learning both the fundamentals of their disciplines and developing an understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with producing and utilizing biofuels. This paper provides a summary how biofuel learning activities have been integrated into the educational program. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2013.