First Year Engineering At A Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University: A Changing Approach

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, engineering education has undergone a shift from an emphasis of experimental and hands-on learning to theoretical, lecture based instruction. The engineering education community is nearing consensus that the pendulum has swung too far. Our students and the industries we serve make the need for change clear, and Virginia Tech's College of Engineering is implementing new methods of instruction. More specifically, the first year engineering program at Virginia Tech is in the process of undergoing significant modification in both our approach and emphasis in educating our students. This paper discusses the past, present, and future efforts of Virginia Tech's Engineering Fundamentals Division in implementing these changes. First, a brief background of our recent endeavors to provide hands-on and early design activities is presented. A snapshot of our current programs detailing lessons learned and successes follows, and the final section discusses the short to medium range goals of the Engineering Fundamental Division.

Multiple Models Of A Freshman Engineering Experiment

“…The department has been emphasizing a hands-on approach to instruction with design as the central theme since about the year 2000. 2 Providing meaningful hands-on experiences to a large number of engineering students is a challenge. Faculty, lab space, and money are always a consideration.…”