2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Concept Mapping for Cognition in Numerical Methods

Presented at MECH - Technical Session 13: Technological Advancements and Applications

This research aims to evaluate the net effect of concept maps as a teaching tool in a numerical methods course. The focus is on two aspects: instructional concepts and entrepreneurial mindset concepts. For the entrepreneurial mindset, students were tasked with showing the role of engineers and computer scientists in the society in creating value, and the students were expected to highlight certain keywords when developing the maps. For the technical topics, students were expected to create a logic flow using concept maps that serves as a criteria in determining the methods used in root finding.

Concept mapping serves as a vital visual tool that supports the cognitive development process for engineering students. The finding from the research shows the potential of concept maps as a supportive educational tool; they provide a visual representation of students' thinking enhancing first-principle approach to engineering problem solving. This paper reviews the data from a study of concept maps as a learning tool for undergraduate mechanical engineering students in a numerical methods course. Student concept maps were reviewed and scored using qualitative and quantitative methods. We found that students typically generated more concepts for maps that focused on numerical methods rather than entrepreneurial mindset topics.

Authors

Mr. Simon Njoroge University of Washington [biography]

Simon Njoroge is a driven Mechanical Engineering student born and raised in Central Kenya, currently finalizing his Bachelor of Science degree in the United States. In addition to his academic endeavors, Njoroge is deeply interested in the realm of Building Control Systems, showcasing a profound passion for optimizing system performance and functionality. His journey is uniquely characterized by the intricate balance of work and school, a testament to his perseverance and commitment. As a first-generation college student, Njoroge's path is mapped with resilience and determination, marking him as a trailblazer in his family. Furthermore, Njoroge's dedication to empowering others is evident in his founding of a mentorship program tailored to guide immigrant students navigating the complexities of engineering education and acclimating to a new academic system. Through this initiative, Njoroge not only shares his expertise but also cultivates a supportive community, ensuring that aspiring engineers receive the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive in their educational pursuits.
Arwen Elizabeth Pearson University of Washington [biography]

Undergraduate mechanical engineering student at the University of Washington Tacoma. Set to graduate June 2024. Participating in
undergraduate research with Heather Dillon on the benefits of concept mapping in computer science courses as of
December 2022.
Dr. Heather Dillon http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4467-2306 University of Washington [biography]

Dr. Heather Dillon is Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her research team is working on energy efficiency, renewable energy, fundamental heat transfer, and engineering education.

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