Pilot Sims as a Model to Crash and Survive in Support of First Year University Success for Engineering Students

摘要

Engineering courses are undergoing a shift to more active, participatory and innovative delivery [1]. Researchers are exploring the role that simulations can play in enriching learning especially in the applied sciences and engineering subjects. Their findings indicate that simulations support students in applying knowledge and are more effective than large lectures that often lack opportunities for students to participate [2]. As not all courses have the resources to design or adapt such technologies, we argue that it is possible by simply using the basic functions of a learning management system (LMS) to create a simulated experience of failure that will aid students in applying themselves before it is too late. Most first year experiences seek to assist students by providing institutional support such as peer tutoring, guidance and counselling, advising, and by providing activities and social events. The goal is to create a warm welcoming environment and so encourage students to use the resources that would support student success. No research paper, to our knowledge, had suggested doing the opposite, i.e., scaring students - especially students considered ‘at risk’. Using the LMS, we ‘failed’ students by placing zeros into their empty assignments that then turned red in Blackboard. This resulted in students taking more notice of deadlines and spending more time on task. While it may seem counterproductive to argue that students need to fail at university in order to succeed, nevertheless, it is our finding that this is an effective technique in encouraging weak students to apply effort before it is too late. We propose a new finding: that enhanced retention and the transition of students to university graduates is, therefore, a key impetus of the need to fail them early.