Bagley College of Engineering team garners international recognition among peers
July 9, 2009
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Often, first year college students struggle with the transition of adjusting to college life. The challenges usually center on balancing academics with social obligations. However for first year engineering students, the dynamics of adjusting are different. What is critical is that students’ expectations are in line with their classroom experiences and perceptions.
That’s where Dr. Lesley Strawderman’s expertise is drawn upon and valued. Usually, the industrial systems and engineering (ISE) assistant professor partners with government and corporate entities to conduct research that improves the usability and quality of service for various products and work processes, but the same type of research can be applied to measure the effectiveness of teaching and learning in a classroom.
Strawderman studied Dr. Bill Elmore’s chemical engineering analysis class. Elmore, an associate professor and Hunter Henry Chair, was in the process of restructuring the class and began working with Strawderman to make sure the curriculum he was implementing was engaging the students.
“Based on the project’s results, we know that it is critical that students’ expectations are in line with their experiences and perceptions. This can be fostered by educating students early on what to expect in courses, and providing detailed feedback throughout a course,” explained Strawderman. “As educators, we need to remember that all students are expecting something from us and our courses. If we don’t provide that, or adjust their expectations, there is little chance that they will succeed.”
Retention rates across the board for many engineering colleges are relatively low compared to other academic majors. Realizing a solution to the problem has earned Strawderman and Elmore recognition from an international organization. The American Society for Engineering Education awarded them and ISE graduate student, Arash Salehi, second place honors at the organization’s annual conference for the paper “Exploring the Impact of First-Year Engineering Student Perceptions on Student Efficacy.”
Founded in 1893, the American Society for Engineering Education is a nonprofit organization of individuals and institutions committed to furthering education in engineering and engineering technology.