Innovations in the Early Years of the Curriculum: Experiential Learning, New Teaching Tools and Techniques, and Capturing Societal Context

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-141244

Keywords:

Teaching Methods/Scholarly Teaching, Active learning, Educational Technology, Mass and Energy Balances, Thermodynamics

Abstract

Eighteen innovations from early in an undergraduate chemical engineering education highlight first and second year courses as well as novel pedagogies implemented during this period. Contributions from around the world were aggregated into 3 themes: Experiential and Hands-On Learning; Pedagogical Strategies and Learning Tools; and Sustainability, Ethics, and Societal Context. From single activities to multi-course projects, these innovations can be implemented by either faculty or programs looking to improve student engagement and success.

Author Biographies

Betul Bilgin, University of Illinois Chicago

Betul Bilgin is Clinical Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Her research focuses on engineering education, including integrating generative AI into chemical engineering curricula, fostering engineering identity, and embedding sustainability and data science into core courses. She teaches thermodynamics, computational methods, and senior design, and is interested in project-based learning and industry-relevant problem design. She currently serves as ASEE Chemical Engineering Division Director and AIChE Education Division 2nd Vice-Chair. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University. ORCID: 0000-0003-1556-5445

Matthew W Liberatore, Trine University

Matthew W. Liberatore is Professor and Department Chair in the McKetta Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering at Trine University. He was previously a faculty member at the University of Toledo and Colorado School of Mines. His research involves rheology and engineering education, specifically developing problems from YouTube® videos, active learning, learning analytics, and interactive textbooks. His interactive textbooks explore Material and Energy Balances, Spreadsheets, and Thermodynamics - see zyBooks.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-5495-7145

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Published

2026-08-06

Issue

Ahead of Print (Articles ASAP)

Section

60th Anniversary Special Section