Active Learning Techniques For Engaging First Year Students In A Manufacturing Processes Course

This paper deals with the instruction and testing of first year students taking manufacturing process courses by determining and raising all students to a common level of understanding prior to covering specific manufacturing processes, the use of active learning techniques, and a unique testing procedure. Through the use of a tailored quiz, instructors can determine the student’s current level of understanding relating to manufacturing, and part design. The questions and subsequent discussions allow the instructor to establish a common foundation that each manufacturing process can be built upon. Issues relating to a manufacturing companies department structure and their interrelationships are also presented at this time. Industry like projects and testing methods are detailed along with the resulting benefits. Also discussed is the use of active learning through the use of Mind Mapping and by leveraging the student’s use of the Internet and exposure to engineering entertainment media. Mind Mapping is used both by the student and the presentation of material by the instructor. All of these topics have been used for the teaching of eight sections over the past two years. Student feedback has been shown to improve the understanding of material and help improve problem solving.