Cooperative learning in engineering through academic excellenceworkshops at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

摘要

In order to increase the number of successful underrepresentedminority engineering graduates, the Minority Engineering Program and theMechanical Engineering Department developed two model academicexcellence workshops for introductory engineering mechanics: vectorstatics, first offered in the fall of 1987, and vector dynamics, begunin the spring of 1988. The results of the workshops have been dramatic.In the first vector statics workshop underrepresented minorities, who onthe average have historically scored lower in engineering mechanics thanother groups, scored on the average one full letter grade above studentswho were not a part of the workshop program. The authors present theoverall structure of the program and the focus of the workshop sessions,especially in engineering mechanics. Workshop strategy is described, andprogram cost is noted