Nurturing Creativity and Design Teaching: Are We Doing All We Can?

Author(s):  
Gu¨l E. Okudan ◽  
Ann McKenna ◽  
Carolyn Plumb ◽  
Hyun K. Ro ◽  
Alexander Yin

In this paper, we report on the results from a qualitative study of six exemplary engineering programs focusing on the ways and the extent of nurturing creativity in engineering students. The study (P360: Prototyping the Engineering of 2020) included data collection from students, faculty, and administrators at the six institutions. This data collection focused mainly on three student outcomes, including design and problem solving. Creativity and how creativity was nurtured, both inside the classroom and outside, often emerged as a major theme. We also support our qualitative findings with quantitative data. Overall, the results indicate that although students improve their creativity in design settings, this result is mostly a by-product of design teaching, and creativity is not taught per se. Quantitative results show that program emphasis on creativity and innovation significantly correlates to skill levels in design problem solving, interdisciplinarity, contextual awareness, and recognizing perspectives. Qualitative data provide supporting evidence for this.

Author(s):  
Sean Maw ◽  
Janice Miller Young ◽  
Alexis Morris

Most Canadian engineering students take a computing course in their first year that introduces them to digital computation. The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board does not specify the language(s) that can or should be used for instruction. As a result, a variety of languages are used across Canada. This study examines which languages are used in degree-granting institutions, currently and in the recent past. It also examines why institutions have chosen the languages that they currently use. In addition to the language used in instruction, the types and hours of instruction are also analyzed. Methods of instruction and evaluation are compared, as well as the pedagogical philosophies of the different programs with respect to introductory computing. Finally, a comparison of the expected value of this course to graduates is also presented. We found a more diverse landscape for introductory computing courses than anticipated, in most respects. The guiding ethos at most institutions is skill and knowledge development, especially around problem solving in an engineering context. The methods to achieve this are quite varied, and so are the languages employed in such courses. Most programs currently use C/C++, Matlab, VB and/or Python.


Author(s):  
Guido W. Lopez

Traditionally, the teaching and learning of introductory undergraduate Thermodynamics in Mechanical Engineering programs stressed the manipulation of formulas and the use of property tables. At present, the use of computer-based instruction is becoming more common in the classroom and it is proving to be a valuable tool for enhancing the educational experience of students. In teaching Thermodynamics, for example, much of the tedious manipulative and computational work encountered while solving problems can now be effectively and quickly executed by computer software. This approach leaves ample time for instructors to emphasize concepts and principles instead of procedures, and to foster an environment that helps students to master the underlying science of the discipline while minimizing computational burden. A comparative study between teaching introductory Thermodynamics using a traditional approach versus using the software EES (acronym for Engineering Equation Solver) as a computational tool is presented in this paper. A statistical comparison of academic performance in introductory Thermodynamics between two groups of engineering students of comparable academic level and capability but enrolled in different schools is also part of this study. Qualitative and quantitative results suggest that students can achieve a clearer understanding of concepts, definitions and principles of introductory Thermodynamics when using computer software as a tool in their learning process.


Author(s):  
Chris Rennick ◽  
Kenneth McKay

Engineering is the discipline of applying scientific and mathematical tools to solve practical problems for society. At the core of a person’s problem-solving abilities is their creativity. This is a preliminary and exploratory theory-based paper summarizing the two most prevalent componential theories of creativity as applied to a case study. These theories outline a set of processes which contribute to a person’s ability to be creative in a domain. The components differ slightly between models, but include: motivation; domain-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities; and cognitive process of creativity including problem finding, ideation, and evaluation.To demonstrate the practical application of these theories to engineering pedagogy, they will be applied to a case study of a 2-day academic hackathon called “Tron Days”. Tron Days guides students through a multi-step modelling and verification process and concludes with teams of students designing and constructing a robotic arm. At the end of the second day, students demonstrated their functioning robotic prototypes. This event has now been run twice for first semester Mechatronics Engineering students, and similar implementations with different problems have been run in seven other engineering programs at the same institution. Each section of this paper will demonstrate the application of componential theories of creativity by drawing connections to the Tron Days event.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 50-64
Author(s):  
Wen Ni Tiong ◽  
Anne Freda Siaw Fen Sim

Objective- This article aims to discuss the authors’ own experience using a web-based seminar (webinar) as a new data collection method for a qualitative descriptive study on factors influencing digital banking adoption among potential users in Malaysia (Digital Banking Study).   Design - This will be the first study to gather information from industry players and public perception towards digital banking service using webinars, with evidence compared to the study’s quantitative results.  Findings – Data derived from webinar sessions are consistent with the quantitative results, and the potential of its uses as a new research tool was discussed in detail. Policy Implications- The findings showed several practical implications that are potentially useful for researchers, academics, and business analysts to consider adopting webinar data as a new qualitative data collection method. Originality - This study documents the supporting evidence of the potential use of webinars as a useful tool to collect quality observation data.


Author(s):  
Imelda Aisah Sarip ◽  
Kamid Kamid ◽  
Bambang Hariyadi

The aim of this research is to describe creative thinking process of linguistic type student in biology problem solving. This research is conducted to linguistic intelligence type of subject at SMPN 6 Kota Jambi. SL the subject was selected based on the aim of the research. Data collection is conducted by interview and a modified think aloud method. Data is analyzed based on creative thinking process purposed by Polya.The result of this research shows that SL could find and arrange the given problems and collect data correctly and appropriately. The problem solving steps is done systematically to the end of problem solving process. The last steps problem solving, SL does checking while doing scratching to make sure that the written answers meet her need.


Author(s):  
Anany Levitin ◽  
Maria Levitin

While many think of algorithms as specific to computer science, at its core algorithmic thinking is defined by the use of analytical logic to solve problems. This logic extends far beyond the realm of computer science and into the wide and entertaining world of puzzles. In Algorithmic Puzzles, Anany and Maria Levitin use many classic brainteasers as well as newer examples from job interviews with major corporations to show readers how to apply analytical thinking to solve puzzles requiring well-defined procedures. The book's unique collection of puzzles is supplemented with carefully developed tutorials on algorithm design strategies and analysis techniques intended to walk the reader step-by-step through the various approaches to algorithmic problem solving. Mastery of these strategies--exhaustive search, backtracking, and divide-and-conquer, among others--will aid the reader in solving not only the puzzles contained in this book, but also others encountered in interviews, puzzle collections, and throughout everyday life. Each of the 150 puzzles contains hints and solutions, along with commentary on the puzzle's origins and solution methods. The only book of its kind, Algorithmic Puzzles houses puzzles for all skill levels. Readers with only middle school mathematics will develop their algorithmic problem-solving skills through puzzles at the elementary level, while seasoned puzzle solvers will enjoy the challenge of thinking through more difficult puzzles.


Author(s):  
Marina C. Jenkins ◽  
Lauren Kelly ◽  
Kole Binger ◽  
Megan A. Moreno

Abstract Background Since 2012, several states have legalized non-medical cannabis, and cannabis businesses have used social media as a primary form of marketing. There are concerns that social media cannabis exposure may reach underage viewers. Our objective was to identify how cannabis businesses cultivate an online presence and exert influence that may reach youth. Methods We chose a cyber-ethnographic approach to explore cannabis retailers on social media. We searched cannabis retailers with Facebook and Instagram presence from Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington, and identified 28 social media business profiles. One year of content was evaluated from each profile. In-depth, observational field notes were collected from researchers immersed in data collection on business profiles. Field notes were analyzed to uncover common themes associated with social media cannabis marketing. Results A total of 14 businesses were evaluated across both Facebook and Instagram, resulting in 14 sets of combined field notes. A major theme was Normalization of Cannabis, involving both Broad Appeal and Specific Targeting. Conclusions It is concerning that Normalization of Cannabis by cannabis businesses may increase cannabis acceptability among youth. In a digital world where the majority of youth are spending time online, it is important for policymakers to examine additional restrictions for cannabis businesses marketing through social media.


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