The Use of Project Based Learning As a First Year Integrated Teaching and Learning Medium

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6-8 June 2009 Singapore Polytechnic
The Use of Project Based Learning As a First Year
Integrated Teaching and Learning Medium
Mushtak Al-Atabi
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Agenda

• Introduction
• The Approach
• Sample Project
• Results
• Other Projects
• Conclusions
• Questions Answers

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Introduction

• Adopting the PBL across the curricula is
  desirable.
• Obstacles
• lack of time and resources.
• Not suitable (?) for theory based subjects
• Design subject can be central platform to enhance
  the achievement of the learning outcomes of other
  modules.
• This is achieved without alterations to the
  modules at hand and is done with careful choice
  of a design project.
• The work is based on the syllabus of the first
  year mechanical engineering course offered at
  Taylors University College- Malaysia.

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Approach

• Mechanical Engineering Design Professional
  Skills module
• Students work in groups on projects
• Carefully selected project(s) can help support
  other modules such as Fluid Mechanics, Materials,
  etc..

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Approach
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Sample Project

• Prandtl circulating water channel
• Material provided
• Handouts
• Brochure (in German)

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Sample Project
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Project Delivery

• Students work in groups of 5
• Analyse the existing channel
• Make an (improved) replica of the water channel
• Make models to be tested in the channel (flow
  visualisation)
• Use the channel to explain a phenomenon in fluid
  mechanics

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Results
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Results
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Results Flow downstream of square cylinder
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Results- Flow around airfoil
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Results- H2 Bubble Flow Vis
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Results- No Slip Condition
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Results- Newtons Law of Viscosity
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Other Projects- Wind Turbine

• Year 2 Integrated Design, FFDL, Manufacturing
• Wind Turbine

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Other Projects- Wind Tunnel
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Conclusions

• It can be done
• It can make the course cost effective
• Will never run out of projects
• Wind tunnel instrumentation

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Thanks a lot for your attention.