Diverse Models for Incorporating Service Projects into Engineering Capstone Design Courses

作者：Bielefeldt Angela R^*; Dewoolkar Mandar M; Caves Kevin M; Berdanier Bruce W; Paterson Kurtis G

来源：International Journal of Engineering Education, 2011, 27(6): 1206-1220.

• appropriate technology
• assessment
• assistive technology
• capstone
• community engagement
• design
• service-learning

There are a variety of ways in which service projects have been incorporated into senior engineering capstone design courses. Some of these experiences fulfill the rigorous definition of service-learning (SL) and others meet some but not all of the true SL requirements. Many students and faculty find service projects particularly motivating, and educational theory indicates that motivation is a crucial ingredient for higher-order learning. Different course models from civil, environmental, and biomedical engineering, ranging from a single semester to a full calendar year, are compared and contrasted. Most of these courses and/or service projects are optional capstone projects for students, but in other cases all students are required to complete service projects for the capstone design course. Reflection exercises are an important component of SL projects, and a variety of structured and semi-structured reflection exercises have been incorporated into these capstone design courses. Data indicate that service projects are effective at teaching students both a depth and breadth of technical and non-technical skills. SL projects may be particularly superior for increasing students' understanding of sustainability, cultural competency, and sense of civic responsibility. It is particularly difficult to balance educational outcomes for the students with benefits for the community/client partners in single semester courses. Projects for local communities or individuals seem to yield the most tangible results for partners in a one-semester time span, while international projects with a development focus offer an array of logistical and cultural challenges. The instructors must devote time and attention to developing relationships with partners in advance of the course and follow-up to help ensure optimal outcomes for the partners. The lessons learned from these courses may help others effectively incorporate service projects into their own capstone design courses.

• 出版日期2011