Cooperative Learning In A Course On Teaching Engineering

Graduate classes can be improved by reducing lecture and increasing active learning approaches. Group work, in particular, in class and on projects should be encouraged. It is especially important that professors and other presenters use a number of cooperative group exercises and other active learning approaches in courses and workshops on “Improving the Teaching of Engineering.” New professors are much more likely to use cooperative group and other active learning methods if they are exposed to the methods in courses or workshops on teaching techniques. In this paper we delineate the cooperative group parts of our course, ChE 685, “Educational Methods in Engineering.” Informal cooperative learning groups are used for small group discussions throughout the semester. Formal groups are used for guided design and course projects. Students have input in the grading of their group members for the projects. Many of these approaches, particularly the design of group projects, can easily be translated to technical courses. The comments on student evaluations indicate the usefulness of the cooperative learning experience.