To close equity gaps, engineering program revamps key courses
Supported by a nearly $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is redesigning six key classes to include more project-based learning with real-world applications and undergraduate research experiences.
The move from a traditional lecture format to hands-on learning is aimed at lowering drop rates, particularly among underrepresented students; attracting more students to the program; and ultimately improving graduation rates.
"There is something about students taking ownership of their learning and being able to build projects," said Associate Professor and project lead Praveen Meduri. "It really has been shown to improve students' self-efficacy.”