On the way for a better methodology in teaching/learning instrumentation for measurements at mechanical engineering Compulsory Syllabus

Abstract

Instrumentation for Measurements is a course of 3rd year, 2nd semester, in the 5-year Mechanical Engineering degree, run at Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto (FEUP) under the responsibility of the first author, in which around 60% of the time is devoted to 'hands on' laboratory activity, involving a large number of students.The teachers team of this course has a broad rangecurricular training, not only in their different degrees butalso in several post graduate fields of specialisation. Thisbrings a transversal perspective, which is very importantwhen dealing with the teaching/learning of multidisciplinary matters.Continuous (theoretical and experimental) assessment hasbeen used during the last 4 years. It has been carefullyplaned and programmed at the very beginning of thesemester, exploring different student capabilities, eitherindividually or in group.This paper presents the methodologies that were used andcomments their advantages and disadvantages.Index Terms - Teaching/learning methodologies, hands onlaboratory, continuous assessment, experimental training.