Development of Active-Learning Units in Nuclear Engineering

Abstract

Active learning engages students in activities that could enhance their ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the material being learned. Evidence-based studies have shown that active learning increases student performance in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses. This paper presents the design of active learning units in nuclear engineering. The goal is to enhance students learning and technical skills, thereby improving their preparation for success in pursuing STEM graduate programs and careers in nuclear engineering. Three modes of active learning that are of interest are problem-solving, lab-based hands-on activities, and simulation. The active learning units are aimed at using interactive mode to provide students with the mastering of fundamental principles and concepts, and better understanding of how equations translate and apply to real-life engineering situations. The introductory nuclear engineering topics to be covered include radioactivity and half-life, binding energy, atom density, radiation interactions, radiation dose, radiation shielding, stopping power, and fission. An assessment plan for the effectiveness of the active-learnings units is also presented.

Keywords

• active-learning
• hands-on learning
• nuclear engineering
• problem-solving
• simulation
• stem education