Abstract:

In this paper we propose the introducing of miniprojects in Thermal Engineering laboratory classes in a Mechanical Engineering studies at the Defense University Center in the Naval Academy in Spain.

The stated goal is to make a design that tries to motivate students to cooperate to carry out their experiments self-supervised and self-organized. The laboratory sessions along the course are seven. Two of them will be used in the development of one miniproject (the term miniprojetc itself means two class sessions).

In general, miniprojects require for their development of the application of necessary knowledge and the use of equipment or software used in traditional laboratory classes. They are divided on several parts: elaboration of a work planning, laboratory experimental part and results oral presentation. Two first stages are supervised and oriented by the teacher and the last only for evaluation. All of them are finally evaluated by means of a rubric.

After completing the course, the results of the traditional method and mini-projects based learning is developed. Results of the surveys are discussed in this paper.

Keywords:

Miniprojects, collaborative learning, innovative labs.