Development of resource modules to enhance project based learning in an interdisciplinary engineering course

Five resource modules were developed for use in a multidisciplinary engineering course to enhance successful implementation of semester-long team projects. The modules consisted of research articles, reports, book chapters, and videos and provided technical information related to projects to bring students from different discipline up to the same level. Use of these resource modules by 46 students in a sustainability engineering and international development course was evaluated. An approach consisting of both quantitative (pre-and post-test, survey) and qualitative (focus group discussions) methods was used for data collection. Pre-and post-test results showed an increase in student learning in the course and resource modules were found to be useful to multidisciplinary teams for achieving their project implementations. The assessment techniques were complementary, thus helping in identifying strategies for improving teaching-learning in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.