Equipment Experts: Enhancing Student Learning in Textile Science

Abstract

Student equipment experts promote active learning in a product and materials analysis class. After preparation through reading about a specific piece of equipment and meeting with the instructor to see and practice with the equipment, the student demonstrates its use to the class and answers questions from the class. While this activity is time intensive for the instructor during the training period, use of equipment experts has produced more interest from students during class, better attention during demonstrations, and one-on-one interactions between the instructor and students. An unexpected benefit is the assistance of equipment experts during laboratory work. Equipment experts in a lab class enhance active learning and student comfort with lab work.