This paper describes the given–find–solution method as a general approach to solving engineering problems. An in-classroom study was conducted to provide evidence of its effectiveness in increasing, students' problem-solving proficiency. The target course was an undergraduate service thermodynamics course taught at Montana State University. Results indicate that the given—find—solution method seems to be effective for most students. The implications for assessment and methodological improvements are discussed.
EwellP. T., ‘National trends in assessing student learning’, Journal of Engineering Education, 87, (1998), 107–113.
2.
McGourtyJ., ‘Strategies for developing, implementing, and institutionalizing a comprehensive assessment process of engineering education’, Proceedings of the Frontiers in Education Conference, (4–7 November 1998), 117–121.
3.
Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs, November 1999 (revised March 2000). see http://www.abet.org/eac/2000.htm.
4.
FlavellJ. H., ‘Metacognitive thinking: The struggle for meaning’, in ResnickL. (ed.), The Nature of Intelligence, (Lawrence Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ, 1976).
5.
VadhanV. and StanderP., ‘Metacognitive ability and test performance among college students’, Journal of Psychology, 128 (1994), 307–309.
6.
AtmanC. J.ChimkaJ. R.BursicK. M. and NachtmannH. L., ‘A comparison of freshman and senior engineering design processes’, Design Studies20 (1999), 131–152.
7.
WaldronM. B. and WaldronK. J., ‘The influence of the designer's expertise on the design process’, in WaldronM. and WaldronK. (eds), Mechanical Design: Theory and Methodology, (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1996), 5–20.
8.
SobekD. K.II, ‘The role of intermediate representations in engineering problem solving’, Proceedings of the ASEE 62nd Annual Pacific Northwest Section Meeting, (Bozeman, MT, 27–29 April 2000).
9.
SobekD. K.II, ‘Understanding the importance of intermediate representations in engineering problem-solving’, Proceedings of the 2001 American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference (Alburquerque, NM, June 2001).
10.
KolbD. A., Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1984).
11.
CengelY. A., Introduction to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, (Irwin McGraw-Hill, Boston, MA, 1997).
