A variety of pedagogies have become well-established and widely used in engineering education including problem-based learning (PBL), project-based learning, case-based learning, and inquiry-based learning. All of these classroom techniques certainly emphasize skill-based learning outcomes (e.g., determine the size of a pump), but they do not always emphasize mindset-based learning outcomes (e.g., identify an unexpected opportunity). Incorporating elements of the entrepreneurial mindset into these pedagogies, sometimes referred to as entrepreneurially minded learning (EML), can enhance student learning and produce a more realworld experience. Entrepreneurially minded learning emphasizes discovery, opportunity identification, and value creation with attention given to effectual thinking over causal (predictive) thinking.After introducing the concept of EML, this paper focuses on EML within the context of PBL.For a framework to demonstrate how to incorporate stakeholders, discovery, opportunity identification, and value creation, specific examples from Fluid Mechanics courses will be presented. In particular, the PBL course modules will demonstrate assignments that include unexpected design alternatives that the students must discover with scant clues (much like "Easter eggs" hidden in movies or DVDs). When discovered the design alternatives prove to have added value over a traditional design (i.e., value creation). One of the keys to producing these assignments is to incorporate a stakeholder or customer. Because stakeholder feedback is essential to re-evaluate opportunities and/or understanding what is deemed as valuable (i.e., value is subjective), it is important for the assignments to include a real live customer (who can be a fictional role-player). In addition, the examples given in this paper follow a similar theme (or consistent customer) with a bit of added humor. Doing so has shown to create enthusiasm for the assignment and the subject material.To determine preliminary effectiveness of EML within PBL, both indirect and direct assessment have been performed. For direct assessment, students' EML assignments were evaluated by the instructor to verify inclusion or exclusion of a set of entrepreneurially minded attributes. For indirect assessment, students were surveyed to determine their perceived extent of using particular entrepreneurial mindset skills during an EML assignment. The results have thus far yielded positive results for students incorporating mindset skills into subject-based matter.
His teaching and professional interests include systems engineering, quality, manufacturing systems, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As Associate Dean, he directs the Branam Innovation Center which houses campus competition teams, maker club, and projects. He is currently an associate with IOI Partners, a consulting venture focused on innovation tools and systems. Prior to joining Rose-Hulman, he was a company co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Montronix, a company in the global machine monitoring industry. Bill is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Illinois College and a Bronze Tablet graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where he received a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering.
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