The Use of Self Tracking Skill Matrix to Encourage Student Centred Learning

This paper describes the use of a skill matrix to assist students in tracking and documenting how they meet the course objectives of the first year Mechanical Engineering module "Engineering Design and Professional Skills". The use of this matrix provided both the instructor and the students with an early detection method to detect any problem in achieving any of the course outcomes allowing a quick remedy. Furthermore, it provided the students with an opportunity to reflect on each course outcome and how it develops in relation to other course outcomes. This allowed better appreciation of these course outcomes by the students and encouraged them to assume ownership of their learning process. This matrix can easily be generalised and exported to other modules and it can prove to be a valuable tool in demonstrating the achievement of course and programme outcomes.