THE IMPACT OF STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC LOCUS OF CONTROL AND PERCEPTION OF PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY ON THEIR PERFORMANCE IN DESIGN PROJECTS

Abstract

The University of Ottawa has introduced newintroductory engineering design courses that introducesstudents to engineering design through a CollaborativeProject Based Learning (CPBL) environment as it is knownfor enhancing deep learning, motivating students tocultivate interdependence in learning, problem-solving,and creating interest and excitement in learning. Studentswork in teams with a client to solve an engineering problemand develop and iterate prototypes. This paper aims atunderstanding the impact of those two hands-on courses(Engineering Design and Introduction to ProductDevelopment and Management) on engineering students’design skills as well as the factors that impacted thestudents learning. The factors that are considered in thisstudy are students’ prior knowledge or experience ofengineering design, students’ construct locus of control,perception of problem solving ability and team dynamics.A pre-& post-test was administered to students using avalidated design process skill assessment tool to quantifystudents’ progress during the course. Students’ finalprototypes were also assessed by external judges from thecommunity to evaluate the quality of students’ designs.