Student experience of project and design centred curriculum

The School of Engineering at Deakin University has embarked on a new path in engineering education with new learning model based on the principles of project based learning and design based learning. Design based learning is the driving force for the new learning model which also incorporates the principles from project based learning to deliver the skills and knowledge students require to understand and solve design problems. The new project and design centred curriculum was implemented in a third year engineering unit. This paper presents the student views on this process, their views on the knowledge transfer and the knowledge gained through this process. PURPOSE This paper focuses on the student perspectives on the project and design centred curriculum. DESIGN/METHOD This research study will illustrate the students' views on the project and design centred curriculum. The student experience of the new curriculum will be evaluated using the course experience questionnaire. The questionnaire provides the students evaluation of the teaching and the units RESULTS The analysis of the survey results will give the researchers feedback on the new curriculum in the particular unit. It will also give them an insight if the method has helped students understand the subject and it concepts better and if the approach has helped collaboration between the students and their peers. CONCLUSIONS Project based learning and design based learning approaches have been applied in a wide range of situations and it is known to simulate discussion and collaboration between the students. A new project and design centred curriculum has been applied to a third year engineering units looks at students using a self-directed approach to gain knowledge in the area and also teaching and disseminating the knowledge to their peers and colleagues. The analysis of this process will give the effectiveness of the process and inform the school of engineering of any improvements needed.