The Learning Factory: Industry-Partnered Active Learning

On February 21, 2006, the National Academy of Engineering recognized the achievements of the Learning Factory with the Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education. The co-founders were commended "for creating the Learning Factory, where multidisciplinary stude...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of engineering education (Washington, D.C.) D.C.), 2008-01, Vol.97 (1), p.5
Main Authors: Lamancusa, John S, Zayas, Jose L, Soyster, Allen L, Morell, Lueny, Jorgensen, Jens
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active Learning
Calculus
Computer simulation
Creative Thinking
Curricula
Economies of scale
Education
Educational Facilities Improvement
Engineering Education
Engineering research
Field trips
Job Skills
Learning Strategies
Machine shops
Manufacturing
Power plants
Practical Arts
Professional development
Qualifications
Student Motivation
Teaching Methods
Technology Education
Thinking Skills
World Problems
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:On February 21, 2006, the National Academy of Engineering recognized the achievements of the Learning Factory with the Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education. The co-founders were commended "for creating the Learning Factory, where multidisciplinary student teams develop engineering leadership skills by working with industry to solve real-world problems." This paper describes the origins, motivation, philosophy, and implementation of the Learning Factory. The specific innovations of the Learning Factory partnership were: active learning facilities, called Learning Factories, that provide experiential reinforcement of engineering science, and a realization of its limitations; strong collaborations with industry through advisory boards, engineers in the classroom, and industry-sponsored capstone design projects; practice-based engineering courses integrating analytical and theoretical knowledge with manufacturing, design, business concepts, and professional skills; and dissemination to other academic institutions (domestic and international), government and industry. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1069-4730
DOI:10.1002/j.2168-9830.2008.tb00949.x