(48b) The Impact of an Optimization Mindset Focused on Long-Term Student Success: A Junior-Level Chemical Engineering Course Case Study

As optimization experts, engineering faculty are uniquely capable of applying an optimization mindset to their courses. However, education is one of the most difficult optimization challenges. Each student has a different background and learning preferences and each faculty has their own pedagogical strengths and weaknesses. Herein, we report results from a recent study published in Chemical Engineering Education¹ where an optimization mindset is applied to a Junior Level Chemical Engineering Course. The objective of the optimization experiment is to focus on college activities that are correlated with long-term student success in careers and in life (citizenship, leadership, service) within the predominant constraints of engineering education (time, financial resources, and student/faculty motivation and abilities). The results of an IRB-approved multi-year study are reported herein. Overall, applying an optimization mindset to the design course experiences was well received by students and led to increased student engagement.

Reference:

1) Wilding KM, Ford H, Bundy BC. 2021. Applying an Optimization Mindset to Engineering Education: Junior Level Course Project Case Study. Chemical Engineering Education. 55(4):228-234. https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-114933.