The Role of Representations in an Inductive Deductive Inductive Approach in Engineering: Perspective from Mechanics of Materials

Abstract

An inductive-deductive-inductive (I-D-I pedagogical approach, strengthened with physical model representation (PMR) was taken in a mechanics of materials course. The first inductive phase consisted of visualization and experimentation with a simple physical model. The second inductive phase consisted of problem solving and physical model development. The two inductive phases were bridged with a more deductive development of the constitutive equations. The implementation of this approach in a course that previously only used lecture resulted in a significant increase in the student passing rate and decrease in the number of withdrawals. The importance of the three phases and the physical representation is discussed.

Keywords

• inductive
• deductive
• representation
• team work
• mechanics of materials
• active learning
• physical model