Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
Sustainable Development for Design Engineering Students: A Peer Assisted Problem Based Learning Approach
Garland, Nigel; Parkinson, Brian; Khan, Zulfiqar Ahmad
Type:
Year:
2010
Editor:
Boks W; Ion, W; McMahon, C and Parkinson B
Author:
Section:
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Page(s):
370-375
Abstract:
The Engineering Council’s UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence explicitly incorporates sustainable development (SD) encouraging engineers to take a leadership role and goes
beyond “eco-design” to include social and cultural aspects. This is reflected by the Royal Academy of Engineering describing a “new integrative principle, not a new set of skills”. To provide first and
second year Design Engineering students with an understanding of SD a primer was developed from the ongoing research incorporating the concept of “social-usefulness”. A problem based learning
approach was adopted with no didactic element. Instead, students learned through investigation, presentation, discussion and reflective learning with both sets of students working together. Data indicated a change in perception of SD with understanding of the complexity evident. Providing the course early in the students’ education enables aspects learned to be developed in future study;
Learning so gained becomes normal practice when the graduate enters the profession and contributes to improved design practices and future sustainability in an ever more demanding environment.
beyond “eco-design” to include social and cultural aspects. This is reflected by the Royal Academy of Engineering describing a “new integrative principle, not a new set of skills”. To provide first and
second year Design Engineering students with an understanding of SD a primer was developed from the ongoing research incorporating the concept of “social-usefulness”. A problem based learning
approach was adopted with no didactic element. Instead, students learned through investigation, presentation, discussion and reflective learning with both sets of students working together. Data indicated a change in perception of SD with understanding of the complexity evident. Providing the course early in the students’ education enables aspects learned to be developed in future study;
Learning so gained becomes normal practice when the graduate enters the profession and contributes to improved design practices and future sustainability in an ever more demanding environment.
Keywords:
