Mini-Workshop - Inquiry Based Learning Activities: Hands on Activities to Improve Conceptual Understanding

The primary goal of this mini-workshop is to assist participants in creating Inquiry Based Learning Activities ( IBLAs) that promote better conceptual understanding for their students. This is part of more general goal of transforming engineering classrooms into more interactive formats that promote student engagement and lead to improved student outcomes. Specifically the workshop will introduce participants to the theoretical basis of IBLAs, provide examples of successful IBLAs and finally participants will develop their own IBLAs designed to repair common student misconceptions in the courses they teach. Through a highly interactive hands- on environment, participants are expected to leave this mini-workshop with: 1) Knowledge of the educational foundations of IBLAs, 2) A thorough understanding of the elements of IBLAs, 3) Experience working with several research-tested and classroom-proven IBLAs and 4) A preliminary design of an IBLA for one of their courses, reviewed by the workshop facilitators and participants. The workshop is intended as a forum for educators to learn about and to create innovative and research-based best practices to transform engineering education.