Research Foci:
The Materials Engineering Department is exploring several issues around the efficacy of engineering learning environments. These include: 1. designing learning experiences that result in higher retention of females and underrepresented groups; 2. integrating methods that produce attributes for life-ling learning; 3. utilizing techniques that promote systems thinking. 4. creating learning experiences that foster socially-responsible engineering solutions.
We are calling our approach Triple bottom line Awareness in Design (TriAD). It is an approach to design that emphasizes that need to incorporate environmental and societal concerns, as well as economic (i.e., the triple bottom line) in the design process.
In the current work on efficacious learning environments, we have posed the following questions:
- Is our curricular approach effective in retaining women and underrepresented groups in engineering programs?
- Are existing pre-college web-based math and science tutorials effective in increasing the success rate of underrepresented groups at college?
- Is our curricular approach effective in developing systems thinking, a sense of professional responsibility, awareness of global challenges and design constraints required for the engineer of the 21st century?
- Is "reversing the learning pyramid" effective at engaging the average student’s interest and increasing their motivation for learning?
- Does the systems approach with a balance of depth and breadth stimulate a deeper consideration of the systemic nature of nanotechnology and biotechnology and their ethical and social implications?
- Does "female-targeted content" influence female students’ interest in pursuing careers in science and technology?
- Do embedded practices of information competence effect a greater ability within students to critically evaluate information and its sources to engage in life-long learning?
Contact Information:
Dr. Linda Vanasupa
Professor and Chair
Materials Engineering Department
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, California 93407
Email: lvanasup@calpoly.edu
Voice: 805-756-1537