A FACULTY ADVISER'S PERSPECTIVE ON DEVELOPING AN SAE BAJA PROGRAM

摘要

To design, build, and race a successful Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Baja car, a new SAE club faces a variety of challenges. In 2008, a new SAE student chapter was formed at NMU and the author became the faculty adviser for this club. This paper presents the insights gained from the author's first four years of developing a new SAE program at NMU. The primary purpose of the SAE club at NMU is to help engineering students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent engineers. Since many students join this club in their freshman year, their engineering knowledge and manufacturing skills must develop at a rapid pace for them to make a solid contribution to the team. The SAE Baja project provides ample opportunity and motivation for students to engage in problem-base learning. Once the initial challenges of facilities and funding are met, the adviser can focus on coaching and facilitating this problem-based learning.