Small Group Learning Activities in Systems and Control Theory using Fidget Cars

摘要

Studies show that small group learning promotes greater academic achievement, enthusiasm for learning, and persistence, yet student-centered, collaborative instruction is less ubiquitous in engineering and science than in other disciplines. While many reasons exist for this, time and resources required to develop such activities comprise a primary barrier to incorporating small group learning activities in engineering and science classrooms. This paper presents the “Fidget car” – a low cost apparatus that illustrates many core systems and control theory concepts. The authors have developed a sequence of activities for an undergraduate control theory class to address time and resource requirements for small group learning. These activities are presented here. Only simple measurement instruments, such as a smart phone and volt meter, are required to conduct activities with the Fidget car.