Small Group Learning Activities in Systems and Control Theory using Fidget Cars

Studies show that small group learning promotes greater academic achievement, enthusiasm for learning, and persistence, yet student-centered, collaborative instruction is less ubiquitous in engineering and science than in other disciplines. While many reasons exist for this, time and resources requi...

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Main Authors: Ray, Laura, Hodgson, David, Feinauer, David, White, Raina, Gawerc, Annett, Merton, Prudence, Montgomery, Devin, Allison, Blair, Amanquah, Nathan, Jackson, Charles, McBagonluri, Fred, Shiue, Paul, Welch, Eric, Huang, Kevin, Luck, Carlos, West, Jonathan, Svihla, Vanessa, Murphy, Joshua, Ray, Daniel
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Automobiles
Control theory
Electronic mail
Friction
Potentiometers
Power amplifiers
Steady-state
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:Studies show that small group learning promotes greater academic achievement, enthusiasm for learning, and persistence, yet student-centered, collaborative instruction is less ubiquitous in engineering and science than in other disciplines. While many reasons exist for this, time and resources required to develop such activities comprise a primary barrier to incorporating small group learning activities in engineering and science classrooms. This paper presents the "Fidget car" - a low cost apparatus that illustrates many core systems and control theory concepts. The authors have developed a sequence of activities for an undergraduate control theory class to address time and resource requirements for small group learning. These activities are presented here. Only simple measurement instruments, such as a smart phone and volt meter, are required to conduct activities with the Fidget car.
ISSN:2378-5861
DOI:10.23919/ACC.2018.8431464