Integrating Concept Mapping with Laboratory Experimentation and the 5E Learning Cycle to Improve Student Conceptual Understanding in a Foundational Engineering Course

该项目将概念图、实验室仪器和5E学习周期相结合，以提高学生对工程动力学基础课程的概念理解。工程动力学通常是一门全国性的高入学率课程，是机械，航空航天，土木和生物工程课程的学生所必需的。一项研究表明，全国动力学的成功率约为53%。由于这门课程是在本科课程的早期学习的，成绩不佳往往是毕业率低的原因。本研究的目的是：（1）提高学生对动力学的概念理解;（2）培养学生对动力学的学习兴趣;（3）了解所提出的教学模式的使用是否以及在多大程度上影响学生的学习效果。本研究是第一个将这三种行之有效的教学方法结合起来提高学生对动力学概念理解的研究。在以前工作的基础上，这项研究将对STEM教育产生全国性的影响。评估工具包含定量和定性两个组成部分，研究包括利用前后测试的控制组和准实验组。

This project is integrating concept mapping, laboratory instrumentation, and the 5E learning cycle to improve student conceptual understanding in a foundational course on engineering dynamics. Engineering dynamics is typically a high enrollment course nationally and is required of students in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, and Bio Engineering programs. One study indicated that national success rates in dynamics is approximately 53%. Because the course is taken early in the undergraduate program, poor performance can often be the cause of low graduation rates. This project is meeting three goals: (1) improve student conceptual understanding of dynamics, (2) cultivate student interest in learning dynamics, and (3) to understand if and to what extent the use of the proposed pedagogical model impacts student learning outcomes.This project is the first of its kind to integrate these three proven instructional approaches to improve student conceptual understanding in dynamics. Building on previous work this study will have a national impact on STEM education.Assessment instruments contain both quantitative and qualitative components and the study includes control and quasi-experimental groups utilizing pre and post testing.