Everyday Examples in Engineering (E³s):
Increase student understanding by using Everyday Examples to teach technical concepts
“I walked into my Mechanics of Deformable Solids class with my iPOD on and it immediately got the students’ attention. I used the iPOD to explain basic axial stress and deformation and how these concepts could be used to solve statistically indeterminate problems. Last semester I used two concentric metal bars as an example rather than the iPOD. The calculation for both examples was the same but when I used the metal bars no one cared.
The iPOD headphone wire got their attention because several students had broken theirs and were curious why. Before the first exam I asked students what they would change about the lecture. About 25% of the students suggested adding more examples like the iPOD. I thought this kind of example would be fun, but it was more than that.”
Want to learn more about why E³s work to retain students?
Click here to read the research behind the topics listed below.
- E³s are examples that are relevant and familiar to students.
- E³s highlight simple and complex ways that engineers help society.
- E³s increase student engagement and retention of engineering and computer science students.
- E³s can be used in large classes.
- E³s are effective among all groups of students.