Journal article
Using a MATLAB exercise to improve the teaching and learning of heat conduction during welding
International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol.21(5), pp.769-777
2005
Abstract
This paper reports on an action research project to improve teaching and learning in a computer simulation of heat conduction during welding. The research was initiated, planned and carried out by Johan Ahlström, a lecturer in materials science at the Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, in consultation with an educational developer, Michael Christie. The exercise on which this paper focuses is part of an optional Master of Science course that is offered to both Chalmers and international students. The exercise involves the modelling of heat conduction during welding. In the past the exercise involved the use of MATLAB. The use of MATLAB has posed some problems but after the course was opened up to overseas students these problems were compounded. The Swedish students had at least some basic knowledge of MATLAB but several of the foreign students have no experience at all of using the program. As a result a lot of time was given to helping students understand and use MA TLAB even though the main purpose of the exercise was to help them come to grips with the actual problem of modelling and understanding heat conduction during welding. It was clear, from discussions between the two authors, that the original aim of the exercise was being subverted and that in pedagogical terms this affected the constructive alignment of teaching and learning. This paper reports on actions taken to resolve this dilemma and an evaluation of the success of the changes that were introduced. It also proposes a simple formula for curriculum reform that can be used to initiate and evaluate changes to existing exercises and courses in engineering education.
Details
- Title
- Using a MATLAB exercise to improve the teaching and learning of heat conduction during welding
- Authors
- Johan Ahlström (Author)Michael Christie (Author)
- Publication details
- International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol.21(5), pp.769-777
- Publisher
- Dublin Institute of Technology, Tempus Publications
- Date published
- 2005
- ISSN
- 0949-149X
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448632202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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