A Service Learning Experience In Engineering And Its Impact On Students

The engineering education literature addressing service learning as a new pedagogy and its assessment and benefits is scarce. This paper describes a concise engineering service-learning experience in the context of a typical heat transfer course for undergraduate mechanical engineering students. The service learning was designed to probe the ability of students to a) explain the societal context of engineering, b) explain the importance of pro-active community service, and demonstrate an inclination to continue such service in the future, c) exhibit an appreciation of communication with non-engineers and finally, d) challenge some of the students’ stereotypes regarding others. The service-learning project was executed in collaboration with a local not-for-profit organization. Reflections were conducted by the students by answering a set of carefully-phrased questions after conducting the project. Analysis of students’ responses as well as the implications of the trends obtained, are explained in this paper. The recorded benefits of service learning are described and can be expected from similar service learning projects in other engineering courses.