Enhancing Student Engagement in Manufacturing Engineering Courses

Abstract

In this article, the authors attempt to overcome the problems of limitations in time and resources, and they investigate the use of multimedia and computer technology for the delivery of complex non-quantitative topics in undergraduate manufacturing courses. The authors also discuss the application of these technologies and evaluate their effects on student learning. The ongoing research described in the article is motivated by a desire to improve student engagement, enthusiasm and capability in undergraduate manufacturing engineering courses, and to assist students in perceiving the topics covered as being coherent and integrated bodies of knowledge, thus reinforcing the Conceive – Design – Implement – Operate (CDIO) concept of integrated and active participative learning. Research results collected from direct observation, questionnaires, interviews and student journals are evaluated to determine whether enhanced learning outcomes were achieved by the techniques used and to what extent they complement the CDIO concepts.