Pedagogical Reform and Performance Assessment as Frameworks for Improving Engineering Education

Morgan State University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

In proposing this project, the Morgan State University overarching goal is to improve the pedagogy and evaluation in undergraduate engineering programs, through collaborations among engineering, education and mathematics faculty, and resulting in an improvement in the quality of student learning improving the quality student learning of learning. The far-reaching objectives are to 1) engage engineering students in the educative process; 2) increase student retention; 3) improve student learning and student performance; and 4) develop faculty who apply best practices in pedagogy and assessment. Over the one-year period designated for the planning grant, the short-term goal of this project is to conduct a comprehensive "content" need analysis" of mathematics courses required for engineering programs, in particular calculus II, calculus III and differential equations. The content need analysis applies to curricular as well as pedagogical content. Thus, the near-term objectives are to 1) examine and modify current pedagogy and instructional processes; 2) examine and modify course evaluation and assessment strategies; and 3) align mathematics and engineering content. Group dynamic strategies will be employed to facilitate the collaboration effort. And interdisciplinary collaboration; curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment modification; use of technology; faculty development and training; and undergraduate facilitation are the broad activities to be undertaken.