Ten ways to improve learning physics as part of an engineering course

Abstract

Learning is a process. The assessment of learning is a powerful diagnosis that allows teachers to redirect their efforts towards assisting the weaknesses of the learning process as presented by students. This paper discusses 10 ways to improve learning Physics as part of an Engineering Course that adopt direct and indirect learning support actions. Each action is analyzed in connection to its own theoretical reference, the steps for implementing it, its challenges and needs, and students' and teachers' points of view. The actions discussed were applied to a Physics I course for freshman students at our Engineering School (a university with 1000 students - 700 Day/300 Night). These Learning Support Actions are initially divided into indirect learning actions (student activities to improve learning without any evaluation grades, namely, 1. Student support; 2. Technical Staff; 3. Video classes, and 4. Teaching service) and direct learning actions (student activities to improve learning with evaluation grade, namely, 5. Online exercises; 6. Pre-Exam; 7. Laboratory reports; 8. Active Learning Projects; 9. Laboratory Seminars, and 10. Preparatory Discussion Laboratory Questions). © American Society for Engineering Education, 2016.