Abstract
Structural Mechanics (SM) is a fundamental subject in engineering bachelor curricula. Since experimental investigations play a central role in the discipline, laboratory practice is often present in SM courses. Many instructors recognize in laboratory activities, not only a way to develop laboratory skills and appreciation of the scientific method, but also a chance to reinforce students’ conceptual understanding of the discipline. However, there is evidence that laboratory instruction is not always successful in achieving conceptual understanding. To address this problem, the goal of the presented study is to investigate how laboratory activities can be designed to support students' conceptual understanding of SM. First, the disciplinary body of knowledge is analysed through Johnstone’s model of multilevel thought. In SM, as in Physics and in Chemistry, phenomena are analysed at different scales: the phenomenological level, the invisible level, and the symbolic level. The understanding of most Structural Mechanics concepts relies on linking the phenomenological world to the underlying invisible world using symbolic representations such as equations, diagrams, experimental data plots, and physics models. To transition and translate between “levels of thoughts” and understand SM concepts, representational competence and abilities in model-based reasoning are
needed. In the next paragraphs, a review of successful studies from similar subjects is presented, where the learning activities targeted representations and model reasoning in laboratory settings. The findings are summarised in a set of design guidelines to help instructors develop successful laboratory learning activities for SM.
needed. In the next paragraphs, a review of successful studies from similar subjects is presented, where the learning activities targeted representations and model reasoning in laboratory settings. The findings are summarised in a set of design guidelines to help instructors develop successful laboratory learning activities for SM.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings SEFI 48th Annual Conference |
Subtitle of host publication | Engaging Engineering Education Conference |
Editors | Jan van der Veen, Natascha van Hattem-Janssen, Hannu-Matti Järvinen, Tinne de Laet, Ineke ten Dam |
Pages | 206-216 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 978-2-87352-020-5 |
Publication status | Published - 2020 |
Event | 48th SEFI Annual Conference (Online): Engaging Engineering Education - Online hosted by University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands Duration: 20 Sep 2020 → 24 Sep 2020 https://www.sefi2020.eu/ https://www.sefi2020.eu |
Conference
Conference | 48th SEFI Annual Conference (Online) |
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Abbreviated title | SEFI 48th Annual Conference |
Country/Territory | Netherlands |
City | Enschede |
Period | 20/09/20 → 24/09/20 |
Other | Virtual/online event due to COVID-19 |
Internet address |
Bibliographical note
Virtual/online event due to COVID-19Keywords
- challenge-based learning
- learning ecosystems
- Motivation
- Decision making
- student-centred approach