College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Advisor
Dr. Amanda Emberley, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Funding Source
Paul and Sandi Bonderson
Date
10-2023
Abstract/Summary
Cal Poly’s undergraduate engineering program requires a design experience for each of the four years. This research project's focus is to better understand how students are conceptualizing engineering design over their multiple design projects. Data was collected through a comprehensive survey given to 73 engineering students. The questions in this survey targeted student’s comprehension and relationship with design, as well as their demographics and course history. Open-ended questions were organized using a thematic coding system which were then compared to the demographics and course history information. This process resulted in four separate comparisons between the survey questions. Interpreting these results reveals essential information to better support student learning. Correlations point to areas where students may need additional help in design thinking. Themes among the responses indicate students’ thought processes behind engineering design. The next steps for this project include conducting follow-up interviews and further interpreting the results.
October 1, 2023.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/ceng_surp/8