Catering to Engineering students: A flipped classroom case study

Abstract

We present the design and implementation of a blended learning environment where concepts belonging to the flipped classroom paradigm are applied to a relatively large engineering class. Various technologies are employed with the objective of improving the learning experience of mathematics- intensive topics in the engineering curriculum.

One of the key ideas of this case study is to confine the most mathematical and theoretical aspects of the subject matter in prerecorded video lectures. Students are asked to watch the video lectures before coming to class. Since the classroom session does not need to cover the mathematical theory, the time is spent on a selected real world scenario that exposes the students to an actual application of the theory. The weekly cycle is concluded with a hands- on tutorial session in the computer rooms.

A potential problem would arise in such environment if the students do not follow the recommendation of watching the video lecture before coming to class. In an attempt to limit these occurrences, two key instruments were put in place: a set of online self -assessment questions that students are asked to take before the classroom session and a simple rewards system. Thanks to modern learning analytics tools, we were able to show that, on average, 57.9% of students followed the recommendation of watching the video lecture before class.

The efficacy of the learning environment was assessed through various means. Students’ opinions were asked in a specific survey and in a focus group discussion. The gathered data support the view that the learning environment was well received by the students. Attempts were made to quantify the impacts on learning of the proposed measures by taking into account the results of selected questions of the final examination of the course. Although the presence of confounding factors demands caution in the interpretation, these data seem to indicate a possible positive effect of the technologically-enhanced environment on learning.