Although practice by doing is typically regarded to be an effective method to facilitate student learning in a laboratory setting, stretched resources may require alternative approaches to accommodate students and to promote student retention. A portable multipurpose lab bench is presented that facilitates student learning by incorporating demonstration and discussion in a lab environment. In a first course for power electronics, improved student engagement and learning enhancement were targeted through the use of this single bench cohesively with classroom presentations and relevant theory. Laboratory assessments and end of course surveys for two consecutive years were collected to assess the learning experience as well as the effectiveness of the established mobile lab bench concept.
Bora Karayaka is an Electrical Engineering faculty at Kimmel School, Western Carolina University. With his over ten years of industry experience, he has extensive experience in project management, and a clear understanding of deadlines, industry requirements, safety and reliability issues, and other aspects in the power and energy fields. He is responsible for teaching electric power engineering courses in the department. Dr. Karayaka's research interests include ocean wave energy harvesting, grid integration of renewables, electrical machines and smart grid. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Istanbul Technical University in Control and Computer Engineering and his PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
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