Thesis
The effectiveness of a hands-on desktop module for learning open channel flow concepts
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100763
Abstract
The overarching goal of this study was focused on identifying the effectiveness of a physical model (named the Desktop Learning Module - DLM) implemented in an undergraduate engineering class and identifying what concepts of open channel flow showed improvement utilizing the DLM. There were three goals within the project: 1) to make a successful, scaled DLM that was small enough to fit on a desk, while showing fundamentals of open channel flow; 2) to improve students' conceptual understanding of the fundamental concepts; and 3) to identify misconceptions and contribute new information to the field of engineering education and conceptual understanding. During spring 2011, 50 open-ended undergraduate interviews were completed with three goals: 1) to write pre/post-tests for comparison between a control and experimental group to identify the effectiveness of the DLM; 2) to obtain detailed data on students understanding of open channel flow concepts; and 3) to develop worksheets to accompany the DLM interactive sessions. Results suggest students have misconceptions relating to the hydraulic and energy grade line (HGL/EGL), flow transitions, and flow profiles. Interviews with a large percentage of tested students exposed false beliefs relating to transitions. For example, more than 50 percent of tested students drew a decrease in water depth for a subcritical drop, rather than an increase in depth. To assess the effectiveness of the DLM, pre and post-tests were given to a control and an experimental group. The control group received traditional lecture covering open channel flow; the experimental group received two 50-minute interactive sessions with the DLM and accompanying worksheets. Qualitative and Quantitative data were collected and analyzed for improvement in not only the score on the tests, but in the justification of participant answers. Both sets of data provide evidence that the DLM is nearly 2.5 times more effective when taking the difference between the pre- and post-test scores than traditional lecture.
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Details
- Title
- The effectiveness of a hands-on desktop module for learning open channel flow concepts
- Creators
- Andrew Paul-Walter Easley
- Contributors
- Shane Brown (Degree Supervisor)Jennifer C. Adam (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525086901842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis