Group Work Induction Workshop School of Electrical Engineering

Group Work Induction Workshop School of Electrical Engineering Systems

Module Overview • Instrumentation project is to …. Work in a group to design, build and test a weather station and display the data on a web page

What is an engineer? • In your groups, brainstorm this question • Think of the skills and attributes a good engineer should possess • You will be one some day soon! • You’ve got 2 mins. Brainstorm means throw out ideas without judgement or criticism. Every idea is good at this stage!

Engineers Ireland Requirements • • The ability to derive and apply solutions from a knowledge of sciences, engineering sciences, technology and mathematics; The ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve engineering problems The ability to design a system, component or process to meet specified needs, to design and conduct experiments and to analyse and interpret data The ability to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings An understanding of the need for high ethical standards in the practice of engineering, including the responsibilities of the engineering profession towards people and the environment The ability to communicate effectively with the engineering community and with society at large The capacity to undertake lifelong learning

In addition … • The Forfás expert group on future skills needs said in November 2009 … “The capacity of being able to work effectively with others from across a wide range of disciplines is a feature of the most creative and productive individuals in an enterprise context. In practice, in a learning environment therefore, this should involve engagement in collaborative crossdisciplinary projects as much as possible” Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (2009). Skills In Creativity, Design and Innovation: Forfás

Learning & Teaching

What is Learning? • Learning is… – gaining new knowledge – understanding new knowledge – finding things out – what happens when you experience something new – developing new skills PBL Induction *

What is Learning? • Learning occurs when you gain new knowledge, or develop new skills, that you understand know – when to use – how to use – where to use PBL Induction *

How do we learn? • We learn. . . • In your groups brainstorm this for 2 mins PBL Induction *

How do we learn? • We learn – By experience – By guidance – By exploration – By making mistakes – In context – By reflection PBL Induction *

Learning is… • “Learning without thinking is for nothing. Thinking without learning is dangerous. Making a mistake and not correcting it is a mistake. ” • Shaolin monastery in China

What is Teaching? • Teaching should be. . . • In your groups brainstorm this for 2 mins PBL Induction *

What is Teaching? • Teaching is – helping students to become self-directed learners – guiding and facilitating the learning process – providing the opportunity for students to explore their knowledge and understanding – allowing students to make mistakes and learn from experience – providing feedback in the learning process PBL Induction *

Teaching and Learning “You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself” - Galileo “I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn” - Albert Einstein PBL Induction *

And another! • “By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. ” • Confucius

Education Research • Lessons learned – – – – Importance of active and student-centred learning Importance of developing lifelong learning skills Importance of learning in context Education approach will determine students approach to learning Assessment drives learning Students cannon be treated as “empty vessels” Students construct their own knowledge and understanding The potential of group learning PBL Induction *

What is Problem-based Learning? • Problem-based Learning is what happens when – students are presented with particular types of problems before covering the relevant material – students work in groups and have roles within the groups – students engage in self-directed study – students are assessed in certain ways – tutors behave in a certain way PBL Induction *

Problem-based Learning Students in groups: • Encounter a problem without any preparatory study • Interact with each other to explore their existing knowledge • Form and test hypotheses • Identify further learning needs • Undertake self-study between group meetings • Return to the group to integrate the newly gained knowledge • Repeat steps 3 to 6 as necessary PBL Induction *

What is Group Learning? Group learning allows students to – explore and discover a variety of perspectives – learn in different ways – engage in complexity and ambiguity – recognise the gaps in their understanding – learn by teaching – develop listening, explaining and questioning skills – develop a sense of group identity – increase their emotional connection with a topic – exercise leadership and other roles – form independent judgements PBL Induction *

Volunteers needed! • We will now run a live demonstration of a group working on a problem • Pay attention because we will be asking you to give feedback afterwards

Let’s give feedback • A – offered lots of ideas, thought before talking, explained ideas well, did homework • B – said very little, texted a friend, sat on the fence, had done no homework • C – talked too much, had nothing to back it up, only liked own ideas, didn’t listen • D – tried to summarise progress, encouraged others to talk, helped build on other’s ideas