Faculty of Engineering: Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at SU re-engineered the first year core engineering science class, Engineering Mechanics, optimizing the delivery of formative and summative feedback to students. The course redesign involved the inclusion of weekly online tests delivered via intelligent online homework systems and the use of electronic voting systems for the automatic grading of class tests. The resulting redesign has reduced staff workload by 60% allowing tutors more time to provided personalised support to motivate failing students. The results of the completed redesign can be found by following the links below:
At a Glance
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Department:
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
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Class/Course:
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Engineering Mechanics
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Students:
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250
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Technology:
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Commercial online homework packages, electronic voting system (EVS)
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Assessment Activities:
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Weekly tests provide on-demand feedback on student performance for both students and tutors.
Just-in-time teaching supported by interactive classes using EVS.
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Efficiencies:
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60% reduction in assessment workload saving 102 staff hours.
License cost of commercial packages £12.95 and £7 per student per annum.
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Learning Gains:
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Results from 2006/7 diet indicate strong class attainment maintained (90% pass rate, 65% average)
"I think it’s managed to save a lot of time for ourselves and the tutors and given them more time to develop what they are going to talk about and give more time for them to speak to people individually if they need it." Student comment
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Preliminary Findings
Principles in Practice
Summary Report
Evaluation Report
Staff Involved
- Prof Jim Boyle [jim.boyle 'at' strath.ac.uk]
- Prof Tom Gray [tom.gray 'at' strath.ac.uk]
- Dr Bobby Hamilton [r.hamilton 'at' strath.ac.uk]
- Dr David Carus [david.carus 'at' strath.ac.uk]
Department of Mechanical Engineering participate in REAP 'Brown Bag' Event 6th April 2006
Professor Jim Boyle presents his department's innovative use of EVS technology to support teaching in large classes.
Teaching and Learning Innovations at the Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department is known nationally as an innovator in teaching and learning.
Department of Mechanical Engineering participate in SU Learning Enhancement Network REAP Event 25th April 2006
Presentation by Jim Boyle, SU Dept of Mechanical Engineering