Student Learning in Challenge-Based Engineering Curricula

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Student Learning in Challenge-Based Engineering Curricula
Language: English
Authors: Berland, Leema K., Martin, Taylor H., Ko, Pat, Peacock, Stephanie Baker, Rudolph, Jennifer J., Golubski, Chris
Source: Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research. 2013 3(1):53-64.
Availability: Purdue University Press. Stewart Center Room 370, 504 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907. Tel: 800-247-6553; Fax: 419-281-6883; e-mail: pupress@purdue,edu; Web site: http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jpeer/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2013
Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation
Contract Number: DUE-0831811
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Engineering, Engineering Education, Qualitative Research, Statistical Analysis, Design, High School Students, Pretests Posttests, Student Surveys, Student Attitudes, Scientific Concepts, Mathematical Concepts, Research Methodology, STEM Education, Demography, Measures (Individuals), Semi Structured Interviews
Geographic Terms: Texas
ISSN: 2157-9288
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a demand to teach engineering in high schools, particularly using a challenge-based curriculum. Many of these programs have the dual goals of teaching students the engineering design process (EDP), and teaching to deepen their understanding and ability to apply science and math concepts. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, this study examines whether a high school design engineering program accomplishes each of the two goals. During the 2010-2011 school year, over 100 students enrolled in the same design engineering course in seven high schools. Evidence of learning and application of the EDP is accomplished by triangulating student interviews with pre-/post-tests of EDP-related questions and a survey of design engineering beliefs. To determine whether students could apply science and math concepts, we examined content test questions to see if students used science and math ideas to justify their engineering work, and triangulated these results with student interviews. The results are mixed, implying that although there is some learning, application is inconsistent.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 21
Entry Date: 2015
Access URL: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jpeer/vol3/iss1/5/
Accession Number: EJ1064595
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In recent years, there has been a demand to teach engineering in high schools, particularly using a challenge-based curriculum. Many of these programs have the dual goals of teaching students the engineering design process (EDP), and teaching to deepen their understanding and ability to apply science and math concepts. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, this study examines whether a high school design engineering program accomplishes each of the two goals. During the 2010-2011 school year, over 100 students enrolled in the same design engineering course in seven high schools. Evidence of learning and application of the EDP is accomplished by triangulating student interviews with pre-/post-tests of EDP-related questions and a survey of design engineering beliefs. To determine whether students could apply science and math concepts, we examined content test questions to see if students used science and math ideas to justify their engineering work, and triangulated these results with student interviews. The results are mixed, implying that although there is some learning, application is inconsistent.
ISSN:2157-9288