ERIC Number: EJ957044
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Feb
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0742-5627
EISSN: N/A
Strengthening Capstone Skills in STEM Programs
Eppes, Tom A.; Milanovic, Ivana; Sweitzer, H. Fredrick
Innovative Higher Education, v37 n1 p3-10 Feb 2012
In this article we describe a curricular strategy that improves the full range of skillsets critical to capstone success. Improved Capstone (ICap) was developed and implemented across the thermo-fluids topical area in the undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Technology Program at the University of Hartford. ICap experiential courses sequentially introduce challenging and open-ended assignments that foster cognitive learning. Using a scaffolding structure, assignments are organized into three modules: (1) classical, (2) transitional, and (3) design of an experiment. ICap enables students to assume greater responsibility for their learning experiences and liberates the instructor to become a mentor. Consequently, higher level skills important in the capstone course are strengthened: critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, teamwork, communications, information literacy, and design process.
Descriptors: Assignments, Engineering Technology, Information Literacy, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Experiential Learning, STEM Education, Engineering Education, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Skill Development, College Curriculum, Curriculum Implementation, Educational Innovation
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2189
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Connecticut
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A