Creating an Integrated Learning Experience Within Curriculum Threads Through Mini-projects

Abstract

This paper discusses details of the curricular reform effort to design an integrated learning experience in curriculum threads through mini-project in Electronics and Communication undergraduate. Traditionally, capstone projects because of their integrative nature are expected to provide an opportunity for the student to synthesize and demonstrate the learning that has happened across the program. Often it becomes difficult to choose problems for capstone projects that call for the application of the knowledge and skills acquired in all the curriculum threads. Mini-projects vertically integrated with each of the curriculum threads of the program are carried out by the students in the prefinal year and provide an opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills acquired in a set of courses belonging to the curriculum thread to solve complex engineering problems. Introduction of mini-projects also provides sufficient resolution to directly assess student learning outcomes in each of the curriculum thread. As these projects are carried out in teams, students are able to develop and demonstrate several professional competencies that are critical for engineering practice. The paper demonstrates that the theme-based mini-projects provide an integrated learning experience in a curriculum thread and help to develop curriculum design and modifications.