Introducing pre-training workshop sessions to enhance learning in multidisciplinary environments: a case study in computer-aided engineering and design

Technological advancements are pushing new simulation and analytical tools, driving the research fields in design forward. In this environment, for introducing new modeling, simulation, and analytic tools, the pre-training aspect becomes important, presenting the ideas behind the tools and preparing the students to structure their already grasped knowledge and future learnings. This study aims to address the potential of efficient workshops for pre-training activities via active learning methods for introducing new concepts and tools in advanced computer-aided design. The students participate in the workshops after lectures and before their exercise session to enhance learning and reduce the ambiguity of the newly introduced topics and tools. For performing the study, a design research methodology is followed to design an efficient workshop based on research clarification, descriptive, and prescriptive study phases. The study results are assessed by direct student feedback and quantitative analysis of the student performance followed by a qualitative teacher evaluation compared to previous years. The results show that active learning workshops support pre-training, impacting the students' performance on comprehension of the utilized tools and reducing ambiguity on the related topics.