Board 96: The Seven C’s of Solving Engineering Problems

Abstract

5.Consistency is instrumental in the development of good problem solving habits, skills and communication. This refers to, for example, the repeated use of reliable step-by-step procedures, convenient sign conventions and coordinate systems, meaningful notations and more. Solving similar problems a different way every time is sometimes possible, but it's not very effective in practice or in the early stages of learning.6. Checks are strategies and methods to validate the accuracy of solutions. The most relevant approaches to use depend on the type of problem being solved. Examples include repeating (double-checking) computations, confirming that a final solution satisfies the boundary conditions, verifying that conservation laws are satisfied and so on.7. Collaboration plays an integral role in nearly every phase of engineering. Examples include interdisciplinary teams working on design projects and students in a study group practicing solutions to challenging problems. The success of a team usually depends on the leadership, goal setting, task planning and other teamwork skills of its members.Note that these are not steps for engineering problem solving. Rather, they are the main components or ingredients that are required to solve problems. In most problems, many of the Seven C's will play a role, though perhaps not all of them at once.

A Multi-Instructor Study of Assessment Techniques in Engineering Mechanics Courses

“…The Compass is one of the so-called Seven C's of problem solving that are described in [11]. Introducing students to these components of problem solving provides a framework for learning and a way to categorize skills.…”

The Need for Holistic Implementation of SMART Assessment

“…If there is no penalty or if the penalty is too small, then students may not develop the proper appreciation for accuracy, which is a critical part of the engineering mindset. Accuracy is achieved more often when the work process is consistent and results are carefully checked [4]. We have found that students work hard to develop these strategies under the current rubric.…”

A New Assessment Model, Modified for Use in Dynamics

“…To this end the SMART method utilizes a "Compass" [8]. The Compass is a guided problem solving process.…”

“…SMART is short for Supported Mastery Assessment using Repeated Testing. This method uses aspects of mastery learning, frequent assessment through repeated testing, and a supportive problem solving framework, or Compass [8]. The method draws on cognitive science to create a set of best practices for student learning and builds a framework for grading based on motivating students to develop these practices as their study habits.…”