Introduction of project-based learning into mechanical engineering courses

Abstract

Currently, engineering education is undergoing significant changes worldwide. In this context, the educational community is showing increasing interest in project-based learning approaches, which promise to lead to heightened student motivation, to stimulate student self-learning and to promote communication skills. Stevens Institute of Technology is currently transforming all its educational offerings. Several courses were selected for pilot implementations of project-based teaching methodologies. This paper presents an initial assessment of the experiences gained from the revision of courses on Mechanics of Solids and on Mechanisms and Machine Dynamics. The centerpieces of these revised courses are comprehensive group design projects.