Possible Solutions

Consequences of Solutions

Advantages (A) vs.
Disadvantages (D) of Solutions

Software simulations in lab

·      Computers availability in the lab

·      If computers are not available in the lab then the software could be loaded in student labs on campus

·      Software simulations would allow students to repeat the simulation until they had a greater understanding of the concept

·      If computers are available are they adequate.

·      Site license Fee availability

·      Students knowledge of the program

A       Software simulations would allow students to repeat the simulation until they had a greater understanding of the concept

A       Provides infinite variables in experiments.

A       Set up and changes can be done quickly – efficient use of time.

A       Although this may be an expensive undertaking, the long-range benefits may be worth it.

A        Real-world designers use software before investing in manufacturing

D        May need to update computers

Begin the course with easier, hypothetical experiments and them progress to the time-consuming  “real-world” experiments.  

·      Students gain confidence, since they should be able to complete the early experiments before the class ends.  As they become more familiar with the class and what she is looking for, subsequent experiments should require more time.

·      Does time permit this type of approach – personally, I think it is the way the course should be taught I agree; it seems like HERNANDEZ WANTS TO JUMP TO THE REALLY HARD STUFF.

·      All course requirements successfully accomplished

A       This solution takes care of her problems of not having enough “real-world” experiences.

A       This may be a good way to combine the virtual experiments with “real world” experiments. The initial experiments could be done on the software and later ones could be hands on. 

D        Real world designers use software before investing in manufacturing

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Fluid Dynamic Software

http://www.eng-soft-
ware.com/

http://journal.fluid.power.
net/issue4/software4.
html

(This is a better software program that an engineering friend of mine found. It has a better, easier interface.)

·         Mid term to long term solution – it may be implemented in a few months +

·         High initial cost

·         Requires learning of software by IDC staff, and/or faculty, and/or graduate students, and/or freshman students depending on how it would be implemented

·         Students loose hands-on benefits of conducting experiments

·         Lab time can be used efficiently to demonstrate effects of variables on experiments

·         Students can complete the learning cycle within the lab timeframe – hypothesis development, experiment, data collection, and analysis of results

·         Extremely flexible experiments can be conducted – changeable valves, meters, etc.

·         Rapid speed of changes in experimental apparatus

·         Large scale experiments can be conducted 

·         Computer availability and easy access

A       Students can put more time into reinforcing activities and can use the software to manipulate “virtual lab equipment”

A       Lab time can be used efficiently to demonstrate effects of variables on experiments

A       Students can complete the learning cycle within the lab timeframe

A       Extremely flexible experiments can be conducted – changeable valves, meters, etc.

A       Rapid speed of changes in experimental apparatus

A       Large scale experiments can be conducted

A    Real-world designers use software before investing in manufacturing

D        May need to update computers

A       Still can use real time labs after design here to test results

A       Flexibility

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Smaller class sizes

·      Additional classrooms needed to accommodate smaller class size

·      Additional teachers, materials, etc. to set up more classes

·      Limited enrollment

A       More individual attention

A       Students waste less time

D        May require another teacher

D        Additional classes needed

A       Students can be kept on task with better supervision  

Have Spaulding observe a class and lab

·         This would help him understand what Hernandez wants

·         Scheduling priority

·         This would give Spaulding the chance to observe the students first hand to see where the in-class the problem really exists. 1. Perhaps Hernandez does not explain the lab set up well and the students’ experiment set up time is extended because of confusion on their part. 2. Perhaps the materials are not well organized and the process of gathering the experiment apparatus is time consuming. 3. Perhaps written supporting materials are lacking that give a schematic of the experiment set-up.

A       This would give Spaulding the chance to observe the students first hand to see where the in-class the problem really is.

D       The solution will be a semester away

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Perhaps the course is too encompassing and should be broken into more than one course (example:  Intro. to Fluid Dynamics, Intro. to Electricity, Intro. to Force)

·        Students would be able to focus on one concept at a time and would gain a greater understanding given more time and less conceptual work to deal with.

D        More courses means more teachers, more money

A       Students build a stronger foundational understanding

D        The above 2 components require very substantial restructuring of the program, which is beyond the scope of Hernandez and Spaulding’s work.

A       Include with the prerequisite course

D       Back to syllabus

Utilize the graduate students, have them be group leaders and guide the freshman in lab

·         Will grad students maintain control of group

·         Will skills be guided by grad students in a competent matter and effectively?

·         Will grad students provide grades or points for freshmen?

·         Will grad students be compensated for extra time and responsibility? Are grad students always compensated?  I think so.

·         Liability insurance coverage for them? Will the university cover them?

·         This provides leadership and organization within the group to more efficiently accomplish learning goals. It also frees Hernandez to strategically aid student groups who need help by moving from group to group as needed. 

A       Frees up some time for Hernandez

A       Helps keep students on task

A       More efficient use of time for freshman and grad students

A       This is a good alternative

D        Grad student rotate in and out of the program – extra training

D        Grad students would need to be compensated with credit or a stipend if we require them to spend more time and take on more responsibility

D        Graduate student overload, students may not get the problem solving part as grad student already know answers

A        This provides leadership and organization within the group to more efficiently accomplish learning goals. It also frees Hernandez to strategically aid student groups who need help by moving from group to group as needed.

Hernandez should talk to other faculty members who previously taught the course (mentoring).

·         Maybe someone else has a better way to teach the class. However, their suggestions could be subjective.

·         Just because they don’t like teaching it doesn’t mean they didn’t do a good job.

·         Maybe they don’t like the job because of the same obstacles faced by Hernandez

·         They may have some suggestions that Hernandez can implement

·         Hernandez may have to change her teaching methods

·         This would provide additional and objective perspectives on the situation. As someone else mentioned earlier, both Spaulding and Hernandez seem emotionally tied to previous methods of analyzing the situation and hold some negative opinions that may need to be reframed.

A       Hernandez needs help!!! Perhaps they have some suggestions.

A       Possibility of in getting the required time and cooperation of the other faculty

A       Mentors supply solutions that a new teacher might not even think of/expertise and experience

A       However, their suggestions could be subjective.

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Spaulding should meet privately with Hernandez in the lab so she can demonstrate how she teaches students in real life setting/lab (without the distraction of students)

·         Spaulding may be able to provide insight and help to give Hernandez more confidence and help her with time management.

·         Lab availability

A       Spaulding may be able to provide insight and help to give Hernandez more confidence and help her with time management. (Same as my suggestion – similar, but not exactly the same – I think Robin’s is somewhat better)

D        It is important to have Spaulding understand how Hernandez teaches but I think it would be best for him to observe an actual class. 

D        Lab time needed

Have Hernandez and Spaulding consulted with the dept. chair?

·         Dept. chair may lend insight to past class performance, expectations, etc. provide suggestions for success

·        Hernandez could be considered a poor candidate for tenure after one class

A       A dept. chair should have a good handle on the coursework

A       Hernandez and Spaulding need outside input

A       Added experience!

Regarding the lab equipment problem, a needs assessment of the laboratory should be conducted. 

·         It seems as if Jake Spaulding has already done it (or at least made an attempt).

·         What were Spaulding’s findings? (On pgs. 126-7, he lists the key elements of a fluid dynamics lab, per Hernandez’s suggestions) 

·         Spaulding may not make correct assumptions; is he qualified or knowledgeable enough to know what is needed?

D        Hernandez may want more equipment than she really needs.

D        Spaulding may not have the background knowledge to effectively perform a needs assessment, should be done by the department chair?

D        This may be fundamental problem. Spaulding could enlist the help of faculty in the needs assessment.

D        Inventory must be updated to identify materials needed to complete labs.

Give Spaulding a brief summary of fluid dynamics (and the other areas of study)

·         At least he’ll have some idea of what she is talking about

·         Additional engineering faculty may be of benefit in this process as well. (A tie in with the next solution of mentoring)

A       At least he’ll have some idea of what she is talking about

D        Fluid dynamics is only one unit of the course

D        He needs a better background knowledge to effectively design the courseware

Have Hernandez explore other methods of teaching .

·         Maybe the grad students have an innovative way to teach the material.  Presumably Hernandez has more experience.  Hernandez needs to be open to suggestions and not just think her way is right. Agreed.

·         Find time to observe other professors – This is an excellent means of obtaining ideas for brainstorming new approaches. Both Hernandez and Spaulding should observe other professors.  Great idea, but timing may be bad.  This should have been done during the break, after her “disaster” semester.

A       Great way to get new ideas.

D        Any teacher young/old can benefit from learning new methods of teaching, but let’s keep in mind Spaulding does not have a lot of educational background

A       Others may meet the course objectives, less time consuming teaching methods.

D        Time is the biggest disadvantage

D        Great idea, but timing may be bad.  This should have been done during the break, after her “disaster” semester.
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Perhaps Spaulding could present the problem to other designers in the group – consulting with each other regarding various cases would seem natural given the number of designers on staff and the individual strengths each brings to the team.

·         Each member could bring his/her particular strength into creating an effective and workable plan

·         Meetings take time

D        Spaulding is not a team player

D        If Spaulding is not a team player he should probably look for a new job

D        Spaulding needs outside input

A       Added experience!

D       Consulting may lead to “too many chefs in the kitchen”

Have lab assistants set up experiments ahead of time .

·         This would help with the time frame but would not allow the students to learn to do it themselves

·         Availability of lab assistants

·         Available funds to pay lab assistants for extra duties/time

·         Would have to train the assistants, more time involved.

A       This would help with the time frame

D        Large turnover rate – training the lab assistants would be necessary on a regular basis

D        Stipend/credit issues would need to be resolved – doubtful that graduates would take on extra duties for free

A       It will help students complete the rest of the experiment but the above issues would need to be addressed

Provide more lab time and resources

·         Room availability

·         Who will supervise the lab during this time

·         Additional costs for supervision, maintenance of the lab while open

·         Possible additional costs for resources: software, experiment

A       Divides some of the material for the course

A       Makes the course more manageable

A       Gives additional time for real world experiences, hands-on activities, experiments

D        Student’s will not be less motivated with a longer class

D       Money, time, space, personnel

Review the course syllabus

·         The course syllabus should be established prior to this course being offered. If it isn’t, or isn’t up to date, then this would be a very important piece for Spaulding to focus on

·         Students and staff need to be aware of the objectives of the course/staff needs to be held accountable for set up of syllabus

D        Analyze the syllabus

D        Spaulding should use the syllabus as a foundational piece of his research

D        Objective of class must be made available to student and teacher

D        The syllabus needs to be established, if not already, but I don’t see this as a solution

Have graduate students set up and conduct experiments using different materials and configurations as described in examples. Videotape the experiments to present to students. The initial experiment configuration can be shown along with outcome and then students can be asked how they expect different elements to change the outcome. The actual experiment results can then be shown. This can also be expanded to show how the factors of fluid dynamics operate in actual real world situations by videotaping in the field. For example, the graduate students could tape footage at a water treatment plant and show how changes in valves, pumps, tanks, etc. effect fluid dynamics or footage at an airport could show how temperature effects fuel flow by showing gauges readings at different ambient temperatures.

·         Mid term solution – it may be implemented within a few weeks to months

·         Requires coordination between IDC staff and graduate students

·         Students lose hands-on benefits of conducting experiments

·         Lab time can be used efficiently to demonstrate effects of variables on experiments

·         Students can complete the learning cycle within the lab timeframe – hypothesis development, experiment, data collection, and analysis of results

·         Students can see how knowledge obtained from experiments can be applied to real world engineering situations

·         Flexible experiments can be conducted – changeable valves, meters, etc.

·         Large scale experiments can be conducted

D        Students wouldn’t have the benefit of learning how to set up experiments on their own.

D        More responsibility dictates more money or grad. Credit for graduate students.

A       Flexible experiments can be conducted – changeable valves, meters, etc.

A       Large scale experiments can be conducted

A       Students can see real world applicability

D        Students won’t be motivated

D        Graduate students are overloaded














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Demonstrations of correct techniques (of what?) prior to students attempting the lab

·         Demonstration requires setup time. Who will do the demonstration – Hernandez or grad students? My!!

·         Hernandez needs to demonstrate procedures/More time needed to demonstrate

·         Less student-oriented

D        TIME, TIME, TIME

D        Less student-driven

D        More accurate results

Leave set up intact, set up may not be needed

·         May not be possible or practical to leave room intact

D        Part of the learning experience is the set-up

D        Impractical use of lab space

D        In her 3 problems, set up not important to solving the problem

D        This eliminates a lot of time spent by the students, but it is unknown whether the equipment can be left up between classes.

Team teaching or one teacher teaching lab another handling lecture

·         Hernandez will no tgo for this.  She seems to want to do it herself, her way is best

·         Additional teachers may not be available-additional teachers mean additional costs and scheduling.  In addition, no one else wants to teach the course.

·         Team teaching could be a successful solution; one teacher could be teaching while the other supervised grad. Students in adjoining area for hands on follow-up

·         Problem starting this at this point, scheduling nightmare

D        Who is she going to get to help teach? No one wants to do this class

D        Maybe other teachers didn’t like the course because it was too much for one teacher to handle well.

A       It is common in science courses for one teacher to lecture and another to teach the lab

D        Do teachers have the right to refuse if they are told to team-teach or split the course?

D        Although this may be an excellent way to conduct the class, may not solve the students’ time constraint problem.

D        Hard to get another teacher available

D        Money would be a problem possibly

A        Maybe this could be worked in with the prerequisite class

Freshmen scores should be analyzed – is there a vast difference between Hernandez student scores and previous professor student scores? –

·         If the scores are distinctly different than past scores, then Hernandez is right in seeking help, but the focus of the help may need to be on her personal teaching skills, classroom management skills, and perhaps training in time management.

·         If the scores are the same as they have been in past years then decisions need to be made as to whether to change the format of the course.

D        Can comparisons be made after teaching just one class?

A       Tracking past performance helps gauge whether the problem is the students or the teacher

A       Include with the prerequisite course.

D       Have a lower level course available


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Video to supplement lecture activities

·         Students could use video for reinforcement of concepts later

·         Must have someone to video and edit

·         Will need to have the equipment

·         Equipment set up

·         Time to watch the video

D        Videos can be very boring

A       Hopefully, the IDC would have the expertise to create interesting videos.

A       Students can borrow videos to review and focus on concepts – may be good for students who have trouble focusing in lecture hall

D        I think the software would be much more beneficial here especially if money is an issue

D       Students don’t like videos/boring

Labs could work in tandem to complete hands on experiments. The case study states there are 8 sections. They could alternate which lab sets up and which lab conducts the experiment.

·         Short term solution – It may be implemented immediately

·         Graduate students would be required to set up labs every other morning

·         Fewer experiments could be conducted throughout the semester

·         Students would have time to complete assigned experiments

·         No additional cost or requirement of effort other than graduate students setting up labs

·         Simple to implement

·         Lab availability and room

A       Fewer experiments could be conducted throughout the semester

D        Complicated

D        Students aren’t getting hands-on experiences

A       Cuts down on setup time

D       Setup not important; the manipulating of the set up is











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On the first day of class, give the students a “pop quiz” that covers the basic principles needed for the course.  Those students who score poorly on the quiz may need to take another (not necessarily remedial) course PRIOR to this course. 

·         Who will teach such a course; additional costs come with adding courses? If the course is broken into two separate components (e.g. lecture & lab), Hernandez could teach the lecture(s) and the GTAs teach the labs.

·         Add to curriculum

D        This evaluation would need to be done prior to the course.

D        The prerequisite course could cover this

D        Students unprepared could drop

D        This may take care of the over-populated class problem. 

Have graduate student do the lab and write specific lab instructions to be followed.

·         Do graduate students have the expertise to write the directions?

·         Graduate students need to be proficient at conducting the lab

·         This provides guidance that helps solve what may be a significant problem in the course.

·         Freshmen lose the “hands-on” experience

A       This would free up Hernandez

A            D        Places graduate student in teacher role

A           A       This provides guidance that helps solve what may be a significant problem in the course

D        More work for the graduate student

D        Less student-driven

Graduate students could hold study sessions with students or be paid to tutor students who were struggling

·         One on one tutoring could help students experience greater success

·         Tutoring costs

D        This is a good idea but does not solve time constraint problem.

D        Additional time involved

D        Is this to be monitored by Hernandez?

D        Should be voluntary

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