ChEBE Faculty Research
Bernard J. Van Wie, Ph.D.
Novel Teaching Pedagogies
Dr. Van Wie and coworkers are taking a new approach to addressing two fundamental problems with traditional teaching methods-the wrong learning modality and lack of team-oriented learning. Dr. Van Wie has transformed a traditionally lecture-based fluid mechanics, and heat transfer course into vibrant, cooperative, hands-on, active, problem-based learning (CHAPL) experience. Among the results: with the former approach students would be least attentive by the end of a class; with the new approach they are performing at their peak, with appetites whetted for further and better understanding. Student grades are a full half-point scale higher and students report that what they are learning about learning is being applied to all of their other classes. Dr. Van Wie plans to disseminate the process to other institutions in the near future.