Creating An Academic Learning Community Using A Multi Level Project

This paper describes a multi-level, integrative, semester project involving students from two different engineering thermodynamics classes: Thermodynamics II, an applications oriented course at the junior level, and Advanced Thermodynamics, a beginning graduate course. The project was carried out in groups of five to six students with a mix from each class. A total of fifty-one students participated in the semester project. The primary goal was to engage students at different levels in an integrative experience requiring cooperative learning, research, synthesis and evaluation, and communication skills. The project also provided context and motivation for the subject matter in the respective courses. The paper describes the pedagogical framework and the assessment data gathered. In addition, attempts were made to facilitate effective group interactions and to form a “community of learners” beyond traditional class boundaries. These aspects are also discussed. The paper concludes with a review of lessons learned.