2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Title: Beyond the Grade: Cultivating Deep Learning and Student Agency in a Thermodynamics Classroom

In response to growing academic integrity concerns within engineering education, a new pedagogical approach has been developed to counter the challenges posed by technology and online resources. In a field where the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools hinders the development of critical thinking skills, this course redesign moves away from traditional grading. Instead, it implements a blend of ungrading and mastery grading to foster genuine student effort and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This innovative strategy was piloted over two semesters in a Thermodynamics course for mechanical engineers with a small cohort (N=18), allowing for a focused learning environment.
This teaching method aims to enhance students' intrinsic motivation by shifting the focus from grades to the learning process itself. Ungrading minimizes the use of points, emphasizing detailed feedback to support improvement, while mastery grading structures the course around specific learning objectives. In this model, students demonstrate their proficiency by taking on the role of an instructor via "Teaching Presentations." This approach fosters deep learning, as the act of teaching a concept to others, known as the "protégé effect", requires a thorough understanding. To demonstrate mastery, students present step-by-step solutions for pre-assigned problems, gaining agency in how they communicate their reasoning to their peers.
Quantitative and qualitative feedback collected from the pilot demonstrates the efficacy of this hybrid model. Survey results indicate that 83% of students were satisfied with the knowledge gained, and 78% perceived the assessment system as fair. By verbalizing and structuring information for others, students reported reinforced knowledge and reduced assessment anxiety. This paper outlines the specifics of the course redesign, presents empirical evidence of its impact on engagement and integrity, and discusses strategies for scaling this approach to larger enrollment courses.