Using Learning Community Course Links To Bring Meaning To The First Year Engineering Curriculum
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Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.
History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.
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1905–present
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- Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- College of Engineering (parent college)
- Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)
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Abstract
The Iowa State University Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) has created a successful learning community for incoming ABE students. In this paper, we provide an overview of our learning community structure and describe the collaboration between the departments of ABE and English that has fostered a cross-disciplinary initiative that includes students writing papers relating to agriculture and engineering in composition and using newly learned technical writing skills for report writing in engineering graphics and design and engineering problem solving. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to assess the ABE Learning Community. Results are reported, including survey data which reveals that on average, students agreed or strongly agreed that they developed or enhanced their team skills through collaborative assignments in their learning community classes, and on average, students agreed or strongly agreed that they are excited to be a part of the field of engineering and technology. Focus group data are also reported.
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This proceeding is published as Harms, Patricia C., Steven K. Mickelson, and Thomas J. Brumm. "Using learning community course links to bring meaning to the first-year engineering curriculum." 2001 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Albuquerque, NM. June 24-27, 2001. https://peer.asee.org/9968. Posted with permission.