Collaborative Research: Enabling Instructors to Teach Statics Actively

1. Collaborative Research: Enabling Instructors to Teach Statics Actively NSF EEC-1129525, NSF EEC- 1129341 PI: Julie Linsey Co-PIs: Tracy Hammond, Erin McTigue / PI: Matthew Green Mechanical Engineering., Computer Science & Engineering, Teaching, Learning And Culture, Texas A&M University / LeTourneau University Graduate Students: OlufunmilolaAtilola, Cheryl Osterman Mechanix is a sketch recognition program that provides an efficient means for engineering students to learn how to draw and solve truss and free-body diagrams (FBDs). Students are guided through the process of solving a problem by following a provided checklist of the solution steps. Students draw the FBDs, the coordinate axis, and Mechanix automatically recognizes and labels the FBD’s nodes, the students can then enter the solutions and request instant feedback from the program. Mechanix will respond and let the student know if the problem is correct or not. Mechanix Interface (Figure 2) Problem Statement Checklist (to scaffold & give feedback) Recognized Sketch Coordinate Axis Solution Instant Feedback A B F D C Figure 6: Mechanix-50% group scored significantly greater than traditional group on open-ended exam problem Figure 7: Effect of server issues during testing is shown through homework scores • Outcomes • Students who performed more than half of their homework in Mechanix (Mechanix – 50%) performed better on the open-ended exam problem in both honors and regular sections • Server issues during testing resulted in students choosing not to use Mechanix • Mechanix is a learning tool equal to or better than traditional pencil and paper • Students found Mechanix fun and helpful while learning truss and free body diagram concepts • Need • Instructors often face large classes of freshman combined-curriculum engineering students • There is a need for a tool to improve instructor efficiency in the classroom • A learning tool is needed that can help students learn engineering concepts while gaining academic independence E Figure 2: A correct solution is drawn and entered, indicated by the complete checklist and instant feedback. • Testing Approach • Freshman engineering student volunteers • In-class experimental group within an authentic classroom where students used Mechanix for homework • Improvement assessed by homework scores, exams, pre- and post- Force and Statics Concept Inventories • Focus groups to gather qualitative data: student’s opinions and suggestions for improvement of the software • Benefits of Mechanix as a Learning Tool • It teaches truss and free body diagram concepts • Offers instant feedback like a one-on-one tutor • Mimics traditional pencil and paper through the use of sketch recognition software • Summary • Mechanix has great potential as a tool to increase learning in truss and free body diagram concepts • Mechanix has the ability to increase instructor efficiency by providing one-on-one feedback while students are solving problems • Future Work • Mechanix is currently being tested in engineering classes at LeTourneau University. • Software and code bugs will be addressed. • Creative Mode – Mechanix tutors open-ended truss problems • Instructor Mode – Instructors can create new problems and view grades and solution trends • This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. EEC-1129525 and EEC- 1129341. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation Figure 4: Mechanix also supports non-truss problems, like the free body problem shown here. Figure 5: The free body diagram (FBD) from Figure 4 with its recognized closed shape. Figure 3: Instant feedback indicates that the student has not entered a value for the Rax force. The checklist shows the student’s progress toward a correct solution after feedback is requested. Figure 1: A student uses the pen and tablet interface for Mechanix