PROJECT BASED LEARNING IN KINEMATICS AND DYNAMICS OF MACHINES

In this paper we show the Project Based Learning (PBL) methodology in the Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines subject as a case study for its general application in many other subjects in the Mechanical Engineering Degree. PBL changes the learning dynamic from teacher to student and combines theoretical knowledge and real experiences in the field of engineering education. The aim of the project presented in this paper is to integrate different tools, involved in the learning process, into a compact and streamlined process to improve teaching and learning. The methodology leads the student through the different parts of a mechanical system to demonstrate the real functionality of the system. The teacher introduces the necessary theoretical knowledge for the student to understand the system in the classroom with the capability of using simulation software. A web platform includes the basic documentation, the description of the system based on functional blocks, and photographs and videos demonstrating the behavior of the system in different work situations. The difference with the traditional educational systems is that students become the protagonist. The students are grouped into four member teams, three of them work on different tasks in the design stage and the fourth student, named “integrator”, implements the final design block. The paper will describe the block diagram of the industrial system analyzed, the theoretical components, the simulation software used and the internet accessible remote platform.
The objective has been to create an environment for working with real scenarios that enhances the motivation of the student through the real design of an industrial system in different work possibilities and, increase academic proficiency by demonstrating the importance of theoretical calculus through its implementation in a simulation model and comparison with real behavior. The proposed learning methodology promotes: firstly, an enhancement of the students learning activity as they become an integral part of the process, secondly, working with a real scenario allows the students to observe the evolution of a mechanical design with the use of theoretical knowledge within real parameters that are included in industrial equipment, and lastly, the shared work with their colleagues demonstrates the importance of social skills, collaboration and teamwork.