Engineering Pedagogy as the Basis for Effective Teaching Competencies of Engineering Faculty

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Engineering Pedagogy as the Basis for Effective Teaching Competencies of Engineering Faculty

Tiia Ruutmann - PhD in Education, Assoc. Prof., Head of Estonian Centre of Engineering Pedagogy, Tallinn University of Technology

Abstract

The article presents the philosophy and the basics of Engineering Pedagogy Science - the key to science-based, effective, interactive and motivating teaching engineering, shaping the ground of teaching competencies of engineering faculty, ensuring relevantly one of the prerequisites of the quality of engineering education in general. The foundational questions shaping the philosophy of Engineering Pedagogy Science, as an analytical ground for effective course design and further course development, based on informed decisions, are presented in this paper. The didactic pentagram and the basic didactical model of Engineering Pedagogy Science are discussed in this paper. Didactical pentagram of Engineering Pedagogy Science forms the ground of the essential pedagogical competencies of engineering faculty along with the speciality competencies, ensuring effective teaching engineering. The basic didactic model of Engineering Pedagogy Science follows the principles of an iterative process, being an effective tool for the design of a study program, curriculum, syllabus, course, or a lecture with the aim of effective teaching engineering. Integrated quadruple instructional model of Engineering Pedagogy Science as the foundation of integrated course design and one of the preconditions of effective teaching and learning is introduced as the basis of expected teaching competencies of engineering faculty. Pedagogical competences of the faculty are becoming more considerable in the quality assessment of higher education. The most effective ground of pedagogical continuing education of engineering faculty is Engineering Pedagogy Science, which offers suitable and relevant didactic models for insurance of effective teaching and learning and integrated course design based on informed decisions, learning analytics, reflection and metacognition. philosophy engineering pedagogy

Keywords: Engineering Pedagogy Science, continuing pedagogical education for faculty, didactic model, effective teaching engineering, integrated quadruple instructional model, pedagogical competencies, course design

Инженерная педагогика как основа эффективных педагогических компетенций преподавателей инженерных факультетов

Рюютманн Тийа - доктор философии по педагогике, доцент, заведующая Центром Эстонской инженерной педагогики Таллиннский Технический Университет

В данной статье представлены философия и основы инженерной педагогики. Они рассматриваются как ключ к научно обоснованному, эффективному, интерактивному и мотивирующему обучению инженерным наукам, формирующему основу для компетенций преподавателей инженерных факультетов, обеспечивающему, соответственно, одну из предпосылок качественного инженерного образования в целом. Основополагающие вопросы философии инженерной педагогики являются аналитической основой для эффективного планирования и дальнейшего развития курса при условии обоснованных решений, представленных в этой статье. В статье обсуждаются дидактическая пентаграмма и базовая дидактическая модель инженерной педагогики. Дидактическая пентаграмма инженерной педагогики является основой базовых педагогических компетенций преподавателей инженерных факультетов наряду со специальными компетенциями, обеспечивающими эффективное преподавание инженерных специальностей. Базовая дидактическая модель инженерной педагогики следует принципам итеративного процесса, являясь универсальным инструментом для разработки учебной программы, учебного плана, курса или лекции с целью эффективного обучения инженерным специальностям. Реализация интегрированной четырёхкомпонентной модели обучения инженерной педагогике как основы для разработки интегрированного курса, учитывающей основные теории обучения, предварительные знания и характеристики студентов, - одно из предварительных условий эффективного обучения и предпосылка для формирования ожидаемых педагогических компетенций преподавателей инженерных факультетов. Педагогические компетенции преподавателей приобретают всё большее значение в сценке качества высшего инженерного образования. Современный подход к преподаванию предполагает не только обучение студентов инженерным знаниям и умениям в рамках специальности, но и развитие у них навыков технического, логического, творческого и критического мышления, а также навыков решения проблем, совместного обучения, общения, достижения ценностей, поддержки развития личности, которые все без исключения имеют ключевое значение. Наиболее эффективной основой для педагогического непрерывного образования преподавателей инженерных факультетов является инженерная педагогика - наука, которая предлагает подходящие и актуальные дидактические модели для эффективного планирования, обучения, а также для комплексного, интегрированного дизайна курса, основанного на осознанных решениях, аналитике обучения, рефлексии и метапознании.

Ключевые слова: инженерная, педагогика, непрерывное педагогическое образование, педагогические компетенции преподавателя, дидактическая модель, интегрированная четырёхкомпонентная модель обучения, разработка учебной программы, дидактическая пентаграмма, дидактическая модель инженерной педагогики

Introduction

Based on cited upon EPS Didactic Pentagram, the Basic Didactic Model of Engineering Pedagogy Science has been designed by A. Melezinek [2] and upgraded by T. Ruutmann [5] (see Fig. 2).

The basic Didactic Model of EPS follows the principles of an iterative process, being an effective tool for the design of a study program, curriculum, syllabus, course, or a lecture with the aim of effective teaching engineering. Each step should be analysed in particular relying on the selected suitable didactic models. Possible influence of every further step planned should be analysed taking account of the analysis and decisions of all previous steps [2; 5].

Design of Learning Outcomes. Implementation of the model starts from this first step with the design of learning outcomes and their analysis based on the selected didactic models (e.g. Feisel - Schmitz's Technical Taxonomy [7], Problem-Based Learning Taxonomy [8], Domin's Taxonomy of Laboratory Instruction [9], Bloom's Taxonomy [10], etc.), analysing the level of thinking for supporting of higher level learning. Students have to learn not only the facts and conceptions, but they will also have to implement their knowledge, analyse, evaluate and create, find solutions, build connections, and solve real-life problems, learning from experiences.

Learners' Individual Differences. The second step of the basic model is to take account of learners' individual differences: learning styles, inborn psychological differences (temperament, ability to switch attention, persistence of attention, selfexpression, introvert, extravert, etc.), prior knowledge, learning motivation, self-regulation, communication, etc. [11]. A suitable learning styles model may be selected for the analysis of students' learning styles (Felder - Silverman's Model [12], Kolb's Learning Styles Model [13], Gardner's Model [14], Myers - Briggs' Model [15], etc.).

Course Content. Design relevant course content, learning aids and materials, assignments and select literature accordingly, to support the learners to reach designed learning outcomes.

Teaching Aids and Technology. Select suitable teaching technology, learning environment, classroom or lab, e-learning or blended learning, flipped classroom or hybrid classroom, ICT tools, suitable for the students, course content, and for reaching designed learning outcomes.

Teaching Methods, Models, and Strategies. Select relevant teaching model (build the balance between deductive and inductive teaching), consider the fact that traditional (direct/ deductive) teaching gives students systematic knowledge and abstract thinking; inductive (indirect) teaching gives analytical thinking but do not give systematic knowledge. Select a variety of suitable teaching methods, both from direct and indirect teaching model for the design of an effective teaching methodology (interactive lectures, seminars, practical lessons, labs, PBL, projects, active learning structures, studio learning, CDIO [7], simulations, discussions, educational games, engineering design, etc.). Elaborate relevant teaching strategies (clear expectations, questioning, peer-teaching, collaborative learning, visualisation, building connections and relations, analysis and evaluation, critical thinking, conclusions, reflection, metacognition, etc.).

Assessment and Feedback. Select relevant assessment tools for the designed methodology and course content suitable for assessing whether the students have gained the designed learning outcomes. Select relevant feedback models and formative assessment tools. Give constructive and coaching feedback. Ask for students' feedback. Use self-assessment and peer-assessment.

Analysis, Reflection and Metacognition. Analyse students' feedback along with your teaching with the aim of improving teaching and supporting learning with deep understanding. Compile and renew teaching philosophy statement and teaching portfolio. Participate in coaching, mentoring and peer-evaluation. Design your self-development and contribute to life-long learning.

Follow the iterative process, analysing the following indicators:

• What will students have to be able to know/do after your course?

• Are the designed learning outcomes clear and understandable?

• Are the designed learning outcomes assessable?

• How can students prove that they have reached learning outcomes?

• Have you taught (or provided) the material you will assess?

Fig. 3. Integrated Quadruple Instructional Model ofEPS

• Have you provided multiple of activities for implementation, analysis and evaluation of the course content?

Follow the principles of constructive alignment: align designed learning outcomes, course content, teaching and learning, assessment and feedback, in relation of students' individual differences, teaching technology, ICT tools, and supportive learning environment.

The Basic Didactic Model of EPS guarantees informed decisions for effective course design and the further course development.

Integrated Quadruple Instructional Model

Integrated Quadruple Instructional Model of EPS (see Fig. 3) designed by T. Ruutmann [2] on the ground of:

• The Basic Didactic Model ofEPS (Fig. 2);

• Psycho-didactics - science integrating pedagogy and psychology;

• The basic learning theories [16];

• Methods and principles of acquisition of competencies (knowledge, skills and values).

This model integrates the most considerable learning theories for engineering education along with their basic principles [5]:

• Behaviourism.. This learning theory contributes to engineering education with safety regulations and requirements, ergonomics, learning goals and outcomes, course learning guide, timetable, deadlines, rules and regulations, assessment criteria, learning environment, and roles of a learner and instructor. Firstly, behaviourism creates the basis of psychomotor dimension of learning - acquisition of skills. Professional skills should be acquired accurately and according to the specialty requirements.

• Cognitivism/Constructivism. This learning theory creates the basis of the cognitive dimension of learning - acquisition of knowledge. It supports critical and logical thinking, learning with understanding and comprehension, active learning, course design, integration and building connections for construction of knowledge. Experiential learning, creativity, visualisation, memory peculiarities, interdisciplinary learning, processing of information,

• building connections, methodology are all the elements of this learning theory. This theory justifies the need for taking account of students' prior knowledge, individual differences and learning styles for effective teaching and learning.

• Social Learning Theory/Social Constructivism. This theory integrates group processes, group work and teamwork to the process of learning. Social interaction plays a fundamental role in the development of cognition and thinking. This learning theory integrates interaction, discussions, peer-instruction, cooperation, collaboration, communication, developing the process of learning into the meaningful learning for acquisition ofsocial skills.

• Humanism. This learning theory creates the basis of affective dimension of the process of learning - acquisition of values. The theory integrates the principles of motivation, selfanalysis, self-regulation, self-management, selfdevelopment, time management, responsibility, peer-assessment, peer-evaluation, adult education, reflection and metacognition into the process of learning.

It is recommended to design the study programme, course, lecture, etc. taking account of the above-introduced integrated model. The model is a convenient tool for the design of pedagogical courses for engineering faculty continuing education. Integrated Quadruple Instructional Model is the foundation of the integrated course design and precondition of effective teaching - accordingly, it is the basis of effective teaching competencies of engineering faculty.

Conclusions