A project based approach to learning for first year engineering students
Corcoran, Brian and Whelan, John
(2008)
A project based approach to learning for first year engineering students.
In: ISEE-08 - International Symposium for Engineering Education, 8-10 September 2008, Dublin City University, Ireland.
ISBN 1872327737
Support for transition from Leaving Certificate and entry to college for 1st year engineering students
can be difficult to achieve. This new course offers an innovative project based approach to learning for
1st years with an introduction to design to build confidence in student ability and give motivation in
research and discovery skills. The project takes place in small groups and relies heavily on
presentation, group and individual skills. The Mechanical and Manufacturing and the Electronic
Engineering Schools at Dublin City University offered this new module for all first year Engineering
Students in 2006. The course entitled, ‘Project and Laboratory Skills’ was an immediate success with
increased participation and retention rates and a high level of academic success in assessment. This
paper highlights the overall module concepts, teaching and learning outcomes and the resources
required for such a module.