Work in progress: Collaborative learning in medical electronics laboratory

Abstract

Background: Modern industry requires engineers to function as effective team members, exhibiting strong communication and problem solving skills [1]. Collaborative learning improves not only the academic achievement of students, but also their interpersonal skills. ABET requires engineering programs to incorporate collaboration in their curriculum and assess the student's collaborative skills. Despite all this evidence, engineering education typically remains more inclined towards individualistic or competitive learning. Design/Method: An existing laboratory course was overhauled and refocused to boost student's skills in design, crafting, self-efficacy, troubleshooting, and expertise in the field of Medical Electronics. The strategy was to use problem oriented methodology in a collaborative setup. Results: The main learning objectives were fulfilled and students reported a high level of satisfaction with the content and the methodology of the course. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2013.