Work In Progress: Integrated Design Engineering and Activity- Based Learning

Abstract

Norfolk State University with the support of an NSF and Department of Education grant is developing an integrated curriculum for the freshman students in the engineering program. The Integrated Design Engineering and Activity-based Learning (IDEAL) Program has identified a core faculty who will be offering paired courses to freshmen students that will allow the students to successfully complete the gateway courses in calculus, physics, chemistry, English and the introductory engineering courses by the end of their freshman year. The goal is to have at least an 80% retention rate with an expected graduation rate of these students from the engineering program within 4.5 years, which is the national average. Extensive data analysis will be completed on the cohort of participating students in the IDEAL Program and compared to other students enrolled in engineering as well as other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curricula. New pedagogies including team teaching and coaching, integration of laboratories into the lectures in a just-in-time manner and peer mentoring and teaching in order to ensure the anticipated goal will be implemented. This paper will provide a progress report and a design for the assessment of this project.