Bringing engineering education to life – an empirical approach to learning and teaching

Robin Clark, Jane Andrews

Research output: Unpublished contribution to conferenceUnpublished Conference Paper

Abstract

Learning and teaching approaches to engineering are generally perceived to be difficult and academically challenging. Such challenges are reflected in high levels of student attrition and failure. In addressing this issue, a unique approach to engineering education has been developed by the paper authors. This approach, which is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate levels, brings together pedagogic and engineering epistemologies in an empirically grounded framework. It is underpinned by three distinctive concepts: Relationships, Variety & Synergy. Based upon research, the R + V + S approach to Engineering Education provides a learning and teaching strategy, which in enhancing the student experience, increases retention and positively impacts student success [S2]. Based on the study findings, this paper shows how, by designing engineering education around the concepts of Relationships, Variety and Synergy, the student learning experience becomes one that is academically challenging yet beneficial to both students and engineering educators. The challenge is to widen and test the approach in other areas of engineering education, before going on to investigate the value of the approach in other disciplines.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages4
Publication statusUnpublished - Mar 2012
EventWhat Works? Student Retention and Success Conference - York, United Kingdom
Duration: 28 Mar 201229 Mar 2012

Conference

ConferenceWhat Works? Student Retention and Success Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityYork
Period28/03/1229/03/12

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