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 range curricular training, not only in their different degrees but also in several post graduate fields of specialisation. This brings a transversal perspective, which is very important when dealing with the teaching/learning of multidisciplinary matters. Continuous (theoretical and experimental) assessment has been used during the last 4 years. It has been carefully planed and programmed at the very beginning of the semester, exploring different student capabilities, either individually or in group. This paper presents the methodologies that were used and comments their advantages and disadvantages. Index Terms - Teaching/learning methodologies, hands on laboratory, continuous assessment, experimental training.