A Vertically Integrated Design Sequence

作者：Stamps Douglas W^*

来源：International Journal of Engineering Education, 2013, 29(6): 1580-1590.

• vertical integration
• engineering design
• project-based learning
• teamwork
• senior capstone

A model of an integrated design curriculum is presented that features the vertical integration of topical themes and fully vertically integrated teams composed of freshmen through seniors working on common projects. The five-course integrated design curriculum is a degree requirement that consists of one course each spring for freshmen through juniors and a two-semester senior capstone sequence. Topics that are vertically integrated include learning design through project-based learning, learning a common software package for the design projects, and learning professional skills that are used to manage the projects and teams. The integrated design courses also provide scaffolding to develop a skill set for non-seniors to work on senior-led vertically integrated teams. The integrated design model was introduced into the curriculum to provide multiple opportunities for students to develop technical and professional skills as compared to the traditional two-semester capstone design course. Student evaluations show that, on average, the integrated design sequence had a greater impact on the development of technical and professional skills than the traditional senior capstone design sequence.

• 出版日期2013