Engineering Design and Self-Directed Learning

Course Level Patterns Constructed by Integrating the Pedagogical Approach Pattern to the Selected Disciplinary Practice

Description:

This is a course (or module or curriculum unit) pattern that specifies a sequence of curriculum components (CCs) that can be used to structure the design of course that provides an Engineering Design experience to learners that adopts SDL as the pedagogical approach. This pattern is very popular with K-12 STEM teachers to provide some authentic inquiry oriented learning opportunities to younger learners. The end-product of the learning process may involve the invention of a new product/ technology or improvements in existing ones.

In specifying this course pattern, a simple model of the engineering design process is assumed: brainstorming (for competition entry), ideation, prototyping, register the prototype to enter a competition, and product optimization.

Curriculum Component(CC) Patterns:

1. Goal setting through brainstorming
2. Self-planning through ideate design plans
3. Self-monitoring through prototype construction
4. Self-evaluation through competition
5. Revision through product optimization