Student-Centered Learning in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)Leila Safavian

Outline

•Simulation-Based Learning▫Electric Circuits course

•Discussion Boards▫Electric Machines course

•Case Studies▫Final Project course

•Conclusions

Simulation-Based Learning (1/4)•Rationale:Use of simulation tools enhances students’ learning by allowing them to experiment with new ideas safely and rapidly

Simulation-Based Learning (2/4)•Area of application in EETUse of general-purpose circuit simulation software (e.g., PSCAD) for analysis and design of electric circuits

•Advantages▫Allows self-guided experimentation▫Accelerates the rate of learning of complex

circuits

Simulation-Based Learning (3/4)•Learning OutcomeDevelop a simulation model of a series RLC circuit (with given component values) and determine its resonance frequency with an accuracy of ±1 rad/s;

Simulation-Based Learning (4/4)•Assessment

▫Write a report on your simulation experiments;

▫Hand in the report with the simulation file;▫Arrange an in-person meeting with the

instructor to go over the simulation model and answer questions in person;

•Rationale:A properly designed discussion board allows students to share their thoughts and engage in a collective discussion of a certain subject matter;

With proper moderation from the instructor, this method can be a very effective extension of classroom discussions

Discussion Board (1/4)

Discussion Board (2/4)

•Area of application in EETDiscussion on the specialized application areas and requirements of electric machines (for example in wind power systems)

•Advantages▫Extends the time to discuss beyond the class

and its time/space limitations▫Allows the students to work collectively and

learn from each other’s experiences

Discussion Board (3/4)

•Learning OutcomeList three areas of application of electric machines beyond what was discussed in the lecture on Monday along with reasons for your choices

Discussion Board (4/4)

•Assessment▫Each student must post their answer and

post additional comments in response to at least one other student’s post;

▫The credit will be applied towards their professionalism component of the course.

Case Studies (1/4)

•Rationale:An in-depth study of a real-world case exposes the students to the challenges and limitations of problems they may face in their future careers and will expose their level of their knowledge and experience

Case Studies (2/4)

•Area of application in EETCase study of a real-world subject as part of their Final Project course

•Advantages▫Will expose them to what will come next in

their career▫Shows the limitations of theory in practice

Case Studies (3/4)

•Learning OutcomeGiven the specifications of the PLC automation system of a small factory, identify three areas where an upgrade to state-of-the-art PLC technology will enhance the production capacity of the factory by 5%

Case Studies (4/4)

•Assessment▫Write a detailed report on study of the

presented case and justify your claims;▫Make an oral presentation.

Conclusions •Student-centered approaches can complement

the existing approaches in the EET program;

•The additional resources required to add them are minimal;

•Other courses/modules may benefit from these or other student-centered approaches; investigation is required to determine where/how to use them.