Project-based Learning within a Large-Scale Interdisciplinary Research Effort

TL;DR

This paper discusses a large-scale, multi-year interdisciplinary project-based learning initiative involving over 180 student projects across various engineering and physics disciplines, emphasizing real-world constraints and mentorship to enhance multidisciplinary teamwork skills.

Contribution

It presents a novel large-scale implementation of interdisciplinary project-based learning with diverse student groups and effective mentorship strategies over five years.

Findings

70% of students reported improved multidisciplinary teamwork skills

Successful engagement of over 180 projects across multiple disciplines

Effective mentorship and real-world constraints enhanced learning outcomes

Abstract

The modern engineering landscape increasingly requires a range of skills to successfully integrate complex systems. Project-based learning is used to help students build professional skills. However, it is typically applied to small teams and small efforts. This paper describes an experience in engaging a large number of students in research projects within a multi-year interdisciplinary research effort. The projects expose the students to various disciplines in Computer Science (embedded systems, algorithm design, networking), Electrical Engineering (circuit design, wireless communications, hardware prototyping), and Applied Physics (thin-film battery design, solar cell fabrication). While a student project is usually focused on one discipline area, it requires interaction with at least two other areas. Over 5 years, 180 semester-long projects have been completed. The students were a diverse group of high school, undergraduate, and M.S. Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering students. Some of the approaches that were taken to facilitate student learning are real-world system development constraints, regular cross-group meetings, and extensive involvement of Ph.D. students in student mentorship and knowledge transfer. To assess the approaches, a survey was conducted among the participating students. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approaches. For example, 70% of the students surveyed indicated that working on their research project improved their ability to function on multidisciplinary teams more than coursework, internships, or any other activity.