Active Methods to Improve Motivation of Students for Studying the Discipline «power Electronics»

Abstract

the study is aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of the use of active learning methods in the study of the discipline «Power Electronics№ in the Kazan State Power Engineering University for students enrolled in area 13.03.02 «Power and Electronics». Active learning methods stimulate students cognitive abilities increase the level of motivation and emotional involvement in the learning process. The use of active learning methods allows students to carry out cognitive and creative activities, increases the efficiency of the educational process and improves the assessment of professional competencies. The result of our study show that the wider use of active teaching methods in teaching technical disciplines provide higher students inclusion in the learning process and helps the most effective way of knowledge transfer. The article describes the whole spectrum of active learning methods used in teaching the discipline «Power Electronics», such as: design training, brainstorming, case-method, blitz games, discussions, etc. Three student groups selected for the comparative study showed the positive change in learning indicators in comparison with other student groups where the learning process was organized in a traditional way. As a result of the research the optimal active methods are recommended for the implementation in the study of the discipline «Power Electronics» in the Kazan State Power Engineering University. In general, the use of active learning methods got highly positive evaluation. However, some of the students mentioned that this approach requires more effort and time from them than the traditional one.