Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2008

Publication Title

2008 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings

Pages

13.801.1 - 13.801.9

Conference Name

2008 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Low enrollment and high attrition rates have often plagued Engineering and Engineering Technology programs. Part of this problem can be attributed to the lack of engaging hands-on activities during the first year of instruction. Most engineering and technology programs require students to take natural science, math and some general education courses during the first two years with minimal technical content. To maintain student's interest in the technical career path, it is important that students establish a link between the theoretical knowledge and its application to solve real life problems early in their learning experience. Simulation based activities have a proven record as instructional tool. Such activities have been used successfully in Lean Training programs in industry. Effectiveness of such activities as a pedagogical tool has been supported by research in the acquisition and retention of knowledge. The Shipbuilding and Repair Career Day Events (SBRCD) project was funded by the National Shipbuilding research Program to increase awareness about shipbuilding and repair careers. Four simulation activities developed under the grant were incorporated into freshmen engineering course to encourage creative thinking and keep students engaged while providing information about shipbuilding and repair processes.

Comments

"ASEE holds the copyright on this document. It may be read by the public free of charge. Authors may archive their work on personal websites or in institutional repositories with the following citation: © 2008 American Society for Engineering Education. Other scholars may excerpt or quote from these materials with the same citation. When excerpting or quoting from Conference Proceedings, authors should, in addition to noting the ASEE copyright, list all the original authors and their institutions and name the host city of the conference. - Last updated April 1, 2015"

Original Publication Citation

Verma, A. (2008). Introducing hands-on simulation activities in introduction to engineering & engineering technology class to keep students engaged. Paper presented at the 2008 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

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