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September 10, 2025

Re-examination of design exercises in a materials engineering course

Key Points

Significant improvements in student confidence were observed after design exercises, enhancing learning outcomes.
Post-exercise scores increased by 2 points on a 9-point Likert scale, indicating marked growth in confidence levels.
The study utilized an expanded sample size, improving the analysis's statistical robustness compared to a prior examination.
Incorporating design exercises into engineering courses may optimize educational strategies and practical knowledge application.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Research is presented on the development of student confidence in design through the use of design exercises in a non-design (materials engineering) course. This work revisits a prior study incorporating over three times the number of subjects, substantially expanding the statistical robustness of the analysis. Four distinct design exercises, covering topics like tensile failure, creep, impact, and fatigue, are integrated into the course, each employing structured pre- and post-assessment surveys to gauge confidence levels. Results consistently show significant improvements in student confidence, with post-exercise scores rising by 2 points on a 9 point Likert scale. This work underscores the efficacy of design exercises in bridging engineering science with practical design application of the topical knowledge, with implications for optimizing engineering education strategies.

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