Implementation of Case Studies in an Introduction to Engineering Course for "LITEE National Dissemination Grant Competition"

Abstract

This paper discusses the year 2008 and the 2009 results of implementing the Laboratory for Innovative Technology and Engineering Education (LITEE) case studies in an engineering class at Hampton University (HU), a HBCU. Questionnaires were administered at the conclusion of the experiment. The goal of this research is to investigate the relevance of case studies and achievement of student learning outcomes: improving team working skills, improving their higher-order cognitive skills, and showing positive attitudes in engineering. Analysis of the student responses show that the students at Hampton University perceived a modest achievement in the three goals (above the average achievement). However the students perceived the achievement in the higher-order cognitive skills and positive attitude dimensions at the end of the case study implementation to be lower than the levels anticipated at the beginning. The qualitative results show the need for incorporating multi-media case studies in engineering curriculum. To make the investigation of the impact of the multimedia case study on achieving the students learning outcomes a real research, it is suggested that the experimental section and the control section be coordinated and carefully designed for the comparison purpose.