engineering – level 1 design course engineering level 1 induction and design course dr peter...
TRANSCRIPT
Engineering Level 1 Induction and Design Course
Dr Peter MacConnell Dr Robin Henderson
Aims
• Improve retention rates• Build a sense of community amongst
the students• Be creative about how we approach the
student learning experience• Provide more feedback to students on
performance• Reduce marking workloads
Outline of Level 1 design
• Straight into classes
• Limited group Work
• Individual Assessment
• Induction Programme
• Whole course based around working in groups
• Group and peer assessment
Induction Programme
• First 3 days of term• Introduction• Business Games• Model Building (out of rubbish!)• Catapult design, build and test• Evening reception• Skills session (ALSU)• What happens next
• Fun
Reaction to induction
• 96% of the students enjoyed the course• 96 thought that it helped them make
friends• 83% thought it helped them find there
way around campus• 71% thought that it helped them more
understand what would happen next
Reaction to induction“having been to Uni before I found this invaluable to
making friends before the course started as when it starts there is less time to interact and make friends”
“The induction course made me feel welcome very quickly”
“I enjoyed the friendly competitiveness of the catapult competition”
“The challenges and activities were good to get me thinking”
Outcomes to the course
• Most of the groups worked well together• Some problem groups – to be expected?• Reduced marking load• More students made it to January exams
(awaiting June results to see full effects)• Improved group working by students• Evidence of more informal support
amongst students
Challenges
• Integration into other courses• Facilitation and team building skills for
staff• Further design of exercises and
assessments– Allow increased differentiation– More of a team “feel” to exercises
