Investigating Learning and Improving Teaching in Engineering Thermodynamics Guided by Constructive Alignment and Competency Modeling

Part I. Improving our Learning Environment - How We Support Student Learning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-126287

Abstract

How is it possible to create and continuously improve a quality learning environment for our students? We present our one-year course on engineering thermodynamics as a case study in which we investigate the learning environment based on a competency model from the students' perspective. Based on the analysis of our course structure and exam design, as well as a survey among students on their learning preferences, we propose several strategies to support student learning.

Author Biographies

Rolf Stierle, University of Stuttgart

Rolf Stierle is a research associate in the group of Joachim Gross at the University of Stuttgart, where he also teaches a course on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. He studied chemical engineering at the University of Stuttgart and received his PhD for his work on non-equilibrium processes at vapor-liquid interfaces. His research interests include the incorporation of molecular detail into non-equilibrium models of interfacial processes based on classical density functional theory. ORCID: 0000-0001-7475-7207

Matthias Fischer, University of Stuttgart

Matthias Fischer is a former research assistant in the group of Joachim Gross at the University of Stuttgart. There he assisted in teaching and organizing numerous courses, including Engineering Thermodynamics 1/2. He studied chemical engineering at the University of Stuttgart and received his PhD in the area of molecular simulations for dynamic properties of fluids. He now works in industry on research and development of drying systems for agricultural products. ORCID: 0000-0002-9832-629X 

Thorsten Braun, University of Stuttgart

Thorsten Braun works as a higher education developer and educational researcher at the Center for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning at the University of Stuttgart. He studied sociology, political science, and law at the Technical University of Darmstadt and the Philipps University of Marburg. In 2020 he completed his PhD thesis on influencing factors on study success, based on a mixed methods case study of a course in engineering thermodynamics. ORCID 0000-0002-8418-2520.

Joachim Gross, University of Stuttgart

Joachim Gross is Professor of Thermodynamics and Thermal Process Engineering and Dean of Chemical Engineering Studies at the University of Stuttgart. He received his chemical engineering education at the Technical University of Berlin and, after four years in industry, was appointed Professor of Separation Technology and later Engineering Thermodynamics at Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on prediction of physical properties based on molecular methods and non-equilibrium thermodynamics to improve the efficiency of thermal separation processes. ORCID: 0000-0001-8632-357X

Downloads

Published

2023-03-21

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 2 (2023): Spring 2023

Section

Manuscripts