Transdisciplinary Design for Undergraduate Engineering: Experimental Study With Implications for Future Research and Teaching

• In Event: 53.082 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 53.082-3 - Special Topics in Engineering and Computer Science: Engineering Design, Computational Thinking, and Assessment

Abstract

This paper describes the implementation of a Transdisciplinary (TD) Design course for Collaborative Research and Transdisciplinary Thinking as part of undergraduate Engineering courses at a large Southern university. More specifically, this paper provides the results of an experimental design that looked at the effects of an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering course taught using traditional methods, and then that same course content taught using the TD design methods and TD approach to education. Students who were taught using TD methods and the TD design approach showed better knowledge outcomes and higher engagement in learning. This paper explores the meanings of transdisciplinary education within Engineering and provides justification for further use of TD methods in engineering courses.

Authors

• Heather Greenhalgh-Spencer, Texas Tech University

• Atila Ertas, Texas Tech University

• Kelli Frias, Texas Tech University