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Strategies for promoting active learning in materials engineering
Author
Ma, Jan
Supervisor
Crawford, Lachlan
Abstract
Deep or active learning has received great attention in all universities over the world in recent decades. Despite the risk of its implementation (Bonwell 1992), it is, however, recognised that teaching improvement cannot be achieved without active learning (NTLF 1998). In the present work, some strategies for promoting active learning in Materials Engineering are discussed. Although the proposals and investigations carried out in the present work apply to students in Materials Engineering, it should be noted that the techniques and approaches are universal and could be used in any other discipline. Four strategies, namely, effective communication, reduction of class size, introduction of IT and motivation, are studied. The first two strategies have been implemented in the last semester. The third strategy, which is the introduction of IT, is currently in progress. The last strategy, motivation, is reckoned to be an on-going process. The benefits of the strategies are analysed from two points of view: the staff and the students. The observation techniques employed include questionnaire and the examination of reports/log-sheets. It is observed that the strategies, although simple, have produced a huge impact on both staff and students.
Date Issued
1999
Call Number
T65.3 Ma
Date Submitted
1999