Case-Based Learning in Materials Engineering: The Ouija Board of the Devil

Abstract

Students' training on electrical mechanical engineering is based on the acquisition of disciplinary knowledge in the following areas: thermodynamics, quality control, safety and hygiene, materials and mechanical, electrical and electronic design. To apply the application of this knowledge to the solution of real problems, requires higher-order cognitive skills such as the development of complex thinking, among others. Case-based Learning (CBL) is a methodology that favors active learning and the construction of arguments, allowing students to see theory in the practice of a real-life context. In materials engineering, the characterization techniques allow to evaluate the properties of the materials, and therefore determine if it is useful for a given application. Traditionally, students learn this content from following procedures. But deciding which technique to use causes those difficulties, especially when it is necessary to define the variables to be measured. During a Materials Engineering class, a case-based educational strategy was applied to a group of 19 Electrical Mechanical Engineering students, at the public University of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, with the purpose of evaluating the knowledge acquired in the subject. The solution of the case "The Ouija of the Devil: the Molecular detector GT200", allowed them to identify the level of knowledge on characterization techniques, the variables involved, the limitations, and necessary parameters to carry out the measurements. On the other side, the importance of scientific knowledge was identified to solve problems, as well as its impact on decision-making in public policies and resource management. This case is also associated to the acquisition of fake, useless equipment by the Mexican government. It allowed exploring the student's opinions towards corruption and the necessary values to practice the profession. The proposed methodology was that of CBL. The learning evidence was analyzed under a qualitative approach.