Integration of Critical Reflection Methodologies into Engineering Service-Learning Projects

Abstract

This paper focuses on a case study utilizing critical reflection methodologies in an engineering, service-learning course at a small, liberal arts college. The college started the engineering department in 2009. As a new program, the department has been working to accredit programs in four disciplines: chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The department is designing the degree programs to take advantage of the Catholic, liberal arts mission of the college. The development of courses that highlight these aspects in the curriculum is a priority of the department. Service-learning courses are able to incorporate the Catholic, liberal arts with an engineering project. Critical reflections in such courses help students to analyze the experiences working on the project and provide the framework for them to integrate these experiences into their careers. The authors discuss a course they developed that introduces students to the methodologies of engineering for human development. Students perform background research to conduct a community appraisal, work with the community to identify needs, develop a project proposal, and design a solution that will be implemented in the community. Students then work with the community, both remotely and in-person, to implement the chosen solution. This type of work fits well with the Catholic mission of the college and provides a good opportunity to introduce critical reflection techniques.