Evaluation of Student Learning Outcomes Due to Self-Guided Engineering Analysis of Surroundings Devin R. Berg Engineering & Technology Department University of Wisconsin – Stout 16 June 2014 Twitter: @devinberg, #ASEEAnnual, #M453
An Initial Pilot Study The goal of the pilot study was to establish a baseline for student participation in an inquiry- based assignment. • Learned of the need for incentive to participate. • Also, the benefits of having a few active students to drive the rest of the class. [See: PDF]
Basic instructions were given as a guide but were open to interpretation. Submit one original post per week (photo/video + text) giving an example of something that demonstrates the concepts discussed in that week’s classes. D2L Twitter
The submissions collected support further use of this form of assignment. Students: - enjoyed the assignment - required a different way of thinking - posted study aids/resources as well Instructor: - helpful when gaging student understanding - more engaging discussion - platform for posting relevant links
Subsequent use of the Twitter assignments is ongoing. A smaller student cohort makes it more difficult to keep the conversation flowing. Need to explore new methods of engaging students in this way. Possibly through student partnerships or organized discussion topics/schedules.
Acknowledgements The author would like to thank the UW-Stout students in the Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 semester sections of MECH 290 and MECH 293 for their photographic and textual contributions.