Enhancing Learning and Teaching of Mechanics of Materials and Structures at the University of Glasgow Singapore

Della, C. , Thomson, R., Chua, P. and Ng, L. Y. P. (2015) Enhancing Learning and Teaching of Mechanics of Materials and Structures at the University of Glasgow Singapore. In: 8th International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies, Singapore, Asia, 28 Jun-3 Jul 2015,

Abstract

This paper presents the learning and teaching approach for the course Mechanics of Materials and Structures to level 3 undergraduate Mechatronics and Mechanical Design Engineering students at the University of Glasgow Singapore, as well as the various technologies that are used to enhance the learning and teaching of the course. The course covers the traditional mechanics of materials and the finite element (FE) analysis of skeletal structures. Various learning and teaching methods and technologies are applied: (a) integrated PowerPoint and “chalkboard” method for lectures; (b) online learning using Moodle; (c) hand-on learning using open-source FE softwares; and (d) collaborative learning using open-source learning resource PeerWise. Lectures are conducted using PowerPoint and “chalkboard” method to introduce the theories and present analytical solutions to the students. The lecture materials, such as, lecture notes, lecture slides, examples and tutorials, can be accessed by the students through the learning management system Moodle. Hands-on problem solving is essential in the learning process. Two practical assignments are assigned to students, which provide opportunities for students to apply what was learned in lectures and have hands-on experiences in performing experiments and using FE softwares. To encourage students to be collaborative learners, the students are given the opportunity to generate questions and also answer questions generated by other students. This has been implemented using the open-source learning resource PeerWise. Students can learn by both developing questions and answering questions posted by their peers. Results of surveys on the current teaching approach are presented, and opportunities for use of technology to encourage active and collaborative learning based on student survey are also discussed.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Thomson, Dr Ronald and Della, Dr Christian and Chua, Professor Patrick and Ng, Mr Louis Yoke Phen
• Authors: Della, C., Thomson, R., Chua, P., and Ng, L. Y. P.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering