How to Involve Faculty in Effective Teaching

Authors

  • Francesc Giralt Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona
  • Joan Herrero Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona
  • Magda Medir Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona
  • Francesc X. Grau Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona
  • Joan R. Alabart Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona

Abstract

Different initiatives undertaken at the School of Chemical Engineering of Tarragona to involve faculty in the improvement of undergraduate education are described.  The analysis of previous experiences on cooperative learning indicates that the setup of classrooms where professors can experience effective teaching methods with other faculty are key to attaining and sustaining interest in education.  This has been accomplished with the introduction of yearly design projects shared by several subjects, with professors acting as consultants.

Author Biographies

Francesc Giralt, Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona

Francese Giralt is Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona. He received his BSCh from the Institut Qufmic de Sarria (Barcelona), his BSChE from the University of Barcelona, his MBA from the ICT (Barcelona), his MASc and PhD from the University of Toronto, and his ScD from the University of Barcelona. His research interests range from experimental and computational transport phenomena to reactor engineering and artificial intelligence.

Joan Herrero, Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona

Joan Herrero is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona, where he has taught for the past decade. He received his BSChE and ScD degrees from the University of Barcelona. His research interests are in transport phenomena and computational fluid dynamics.

Magda Medir, Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona

Magda Medir is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Science Education at the University Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona. She received her BSCh from the tnstitut Quimic de Sarria, her BSChE from the University of Barcelona, her MASc from the University of Toronto, and her ScD from the University of Barcelona. She directs the Chemical Education for Public Understanding Program in Spain and her research is in the areas of science and engineering education.

Francesc X. Grau, Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona

Francese X. Grau is Associate Professor of Fluid Mechanics at the University Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona, where he has taught for the past fifteen years. He received his BSChE and his ScD from the University of Barcelona. His research interests focus on experimental and computational fluid dynamics and heat/mass transfer, with applications to environmental and industrial flow problems.

Joan R. Alabart, Universitat Rovira i Virgili de Tarragona

Joan R. Alabart has been teaching Project Management and Total Quality Management at the University Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona for the last five years. He received his BSCh and PhD degrees from the University of Barcelona and his MBA fron ESADE. He is currently an assessor for the European Quality Award and practices as a consultant in TOM. His research interests include the application of TOM principles in the teaching and learning processes and the modeling of organizations.

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Published

1999-07-01

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 3 (1999): Summer 1999

Section

Manuscripts