An Experiential Learning Approach for Developing Mental Models in Engineering Design Education

Abstract

Mental simulation represents how a person interprets and understands the causal relations associated with the perceived information, and it is considered an important cognitive device to support engineering design activities. Mental models are considered information characterized in a person’s mind to understand the external world. They are important components to support effective mental simulation. This paper begins with a discussion on the experiential learning approach and how it supports learners in developing mental models for design activities. Following that, the paper looks at the four types of mental models: object, making, analysis and project, and illustrates how they capture different aspects and skills of design activities. Finally, the paper proposes an alternative framework, i.e., Spiral Learning Approach, which is an integration of Kolb’s experiential learningcycle and the Imaginative Education (IE) framework. While the Kolb’s cycle informs a pattern to leverage personal experiences to reusable knowledge, the IE’s framework suggests how prior experiences can trigger imagination and advance understandings. A hypothetical design of a snow removal device is used to illustrate the ideas of design-related mental models and the spirallearning approach.

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“…Experiential learning is an approach to building participants' mental models (Chavan, 2011;Li & Chua, 2021;Zigmont et al, 2011).…”

“…Experiential learning is an approach to building participants' mental models (Chavan, 2011; Li & Chua, 2021; Zigmont et al, 2011). It includes four iterative phases: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active experimentation (Kolb, 2014).…”