Abstract:

Based on our experiences conducting three teaching innovation projects over the past few years and the student surveys collected at the close of these projects, we can conclude that students are more interested in and motivated by dynamic classes that incorporate computer tools and other aspects from the structural calculation engineer’s professional experience. What’s more, students also greatly appreciate transversality across different subjects and degree programs. The present teaching innovation project focuses on the subject of Theory of Structures in the Mechanical Engineering degree program, in collaboration with other subjects from the same program, as well as from the Electrical Engineering department and a private sector business. The proposed activity is a 3D model of a tower for electrical networks, a structural analysis of the different components, and identification of the take-up rates. This activity is completed in groups (3 students per group) and supervised by the practical class teacher. Furthermore, as final cooperative task, a 3D mock-up is created by all the groups (the entire class). The objective of this project is for the student to experience the real-life challenges of an engineer. The goal is for students to develop and apply their capacities, abilities, attitudes, values and knowledge in realistic projects using modern and innovative resources. The group dynamic created by this hands-on work guided by the professor is much better than the traditional atmosphere of lecture-style classes. On a final note, students greatly appreciate dynamic and participatory classes. The student satisfaction survey completed at the end of this teaching innovation project offers feedback regarding the activities and how they can be improved.

Keywords:

Teaching innovation, 3D printer, Structures, Electric towers, Real models.