Model Eliciting Activities: An In Class Approach To Improving Interest And Persistence Of Women In Engineering

Abstract

A Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) is a real-world client-driven problem. The solution of an MEA requires the use of one or more mathematical or engineering concepts that are unspecified by the problem -students must make new sense of their existing knowledge and understandings to formulate a generalizable mathematical model that can be used by the client to solve the given and similar problems. An MEA creates an environment in which skills beyond mathematical abilities are valued because the focus is not on the use of prescribed equations and algorithms but on the use of a broader spectrum of skills required for effective engineering problem solving. Carefully constructed MEAs can begin to prepare students to communicate and work effectively in teams; to adopt and adapt conceptual tools; to construct, describe, and explain complex systems; and to cope with complex systems. Our conjecture is that MEAs provide a learning environment that is tailored to a more diverse population than typical engineering course experiences as they allow students with different backgrounds and values to emerge as talented. Further, we believe that adapting these types of activities to engineering courses has the potential to go beyond "filling the gaps" to "opening doors" to women in engineering. As part of an NSF funded Gender-Equity project, four MEAs were implemented in a first-year problem solving and computer tools course at Purdue University in Fall 2002. This paper will describe the nature of MEAs, overview the research methodology, and demonstrate evidence of curriculum reform at our institution.