Inspiring a Self-Reliant Learning Culture while Brewing the Next Silicon Valley in North Wales

Abstract

Practical strategies for improving individual engagement and performance within an engineering team project learning environment were applied and evaluated. While methodological refinements were required due to the structural challenges and novelty of the practice, positive outcomes such as a perceived increase in engagement and technical proficiency were recorded. Critical aspects in the current approach are the well-known issue of assessing individual contributions within group performance, and setting a proper regulatory environment to prevent peer-assessment bias or dysfunctions. A novel intra-group mark moderation approach is presented and discussed.

Keywords

• engineering education
• problem-based learning
• student involvement
• teamwork