EVALUATION OF A FIRST YEAR DESIGN COURSE

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the evaluation of a first year design and communications course, implemented in the Fall of 2010 at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary.Operating on the proposition that providing a theoretical framework of design prior to the lab projects would improve the students’ ability to follow a design processThe remainder of this paper discusses the evaluation of the effectiveness of this revised course structure, in terms of both the student learning outcomes achieved, and the general student satisfaction of the course. Data was gathered from open and closed-ended surveys, as well as focus groups and interviews. The data from these sources was then triangulated, in order to obtain a holistic impression of the strengths and weaknesses of the course., the new design and communications course provides lectures on the principles of design, project management, and communication (verbal, written, and graphical), while weekly workshops require the students to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical applications.