AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO SELECTING ENGINEERING DESIGN TEAMS IN AN ACADEMIC SETTING

摘要

Capstone senior design projects allow students to experience "real world" projects by applying skills and engineering tools to solve genuine problems. Students typically work collaboratively in these projects, but one challenge facing faculty is the formation of the project teams. A variety of methods, including assigning teams based on GPAs or alphabetically, faculty selection of teams based on known and/or favored students, student bidding, etc. can result in students ill-prepared for their specific projects or teams that are dysfunctional. A new method requires that students meet with potential faculty advisors; participate in extensive in-class discussion of project expectations, work habits, and team experiences; and interact with other students interested in the same projects, before they can bid on a project. Student teams now start with greater understanding, motivation, and commitment to their project, their advisor, and their teammates. This paper presents the details of this method and its constraints, results, benefits, and recommendations.