Increased student engagement in problem solving courses in engineering through active learning

Abstract

Increased student engagement in classroom activities is gaining significant importance in higher education. Active learning is one of the latest teaching techniques that engage students in the learning procedure. While active learning has become an axiom in STEM education, overwhelming research in active learning demonstrates its effectiveness in promoting student engagement, learning, motivation and retention. It has been observed, that the active learning techniques have been one of the vital tools for instructors to stimulate student engagement. In short, active learning is any activity that engages students in a classroom, and demands students to do significant learning activities and analyze what they are doing, rather than simply focusing on traditional lecture. Student engagement in classroom via review, discussion, application and practice, demonstrated that the students learn more than in traditional classrooms. In-class reading and writing exercises also, improve student engagement in learning process even in large size classes. To improve student engagement in the class size of up to 40, in senior mechanical engineering courses, such as machine design. Every student was provided with similar problem having different variables to solve. The instructor was solving a similar problem on whiteboard with dissimilar variables than students. This demands for active discussion with their peers, teams and with the instructor kept the whole class engaged. Traditional classroom teaching versus active learning, student engagement outcome measured through in class work submission.