Design of Entrepreneurially Minded (EM) Effective Learning Strategies for Engineering Students: Course Structure, Grading Rubrics, Syllabus Design, and In-Class Mini Labs for Student Motivation and Learning

Abstract

In a series of effective learning strategies developed, applied, and implemented at two separate institutions of higher education, research has been dedicated to determining the effectiveness of the designed learning strategies on student learning, motivation, and success. The research has been dedicated to effectively develop grading rubric for homework and exams as well as develop an effective course structure for STEM courses. The present study is an autoethnography of an improved and modified version of an earlier developed course structure and its effectiveness in multiple modes of delivery. An important aspect of improvement in the course structure was addition of mini-labs, small concept experiments or practical problems in the classroom to bring an entrepreneurial mindset to the course. The present research also highlights the student motivation as this is another area of focus for modern instructional design. The study used the process of asking students to grade their own homework. The students were provided with the correct answers after submission of their assignments on the LMS and provided with a grading rubric developed in an earlier study to grade their work. This helped students learn the material more effectively, instilling and encouraging self-learning. This also helped the students to figure out weak areas of their learning and helped students improve their learning. It is important to note that the courses used for this type of grading technique are Junior level courses and it is recommended to use this technique for Junior and Senior level courses. The previously developed homework grading rubric proved itself to be an effective and successful student learning tool. Therefore, it is extended to develop and implement lab grading rubric to study its effectiveness on student learning and success. Another area of study to improve student motivation is effectiveness of the syllabus design on student learning and motivation by including the course area concept application pictures on the first page. Concept applications are discussed in the first class of the semester which is primarily designed to discuss course syllabus and motivation. Course motivation is also incorporated at the topic level through videos or thought experiments. A synthesis of the research in effective learning strategies establishes an effective course design applicable to multiple modes of delivery that supports student learning and encourages an entrepreneurial mindset.