Case Study: Electrical Engineering Introduction Course Using an Integrated Approach via Group Work Viability Projects

Authors

  • Renan L. Prado Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Instituto de Sistemas Elétricos e Energia
  • Paulo F. Ribeiro Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Instituto de Sistemas Elétricos e Energia
  • Tiago E. Castelo de Oliveira Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Instituto Superior Técnico

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5216/ijaeedu.v5.62496

Abstract

This paper discuss an innovative teaching methodology applied in a University sited in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The main goal is to reduce the dropout rate in Engineering Courses. The Federal University of Itajuba (UNIFEI) others freshmen students a new perspective about the Electrical Engineering course, showing them the vast possibilities it might lead them. For that, the University uses the course called Introduction to Electrical Engineering, based in the formation of groups focused in the study of the viability of Renewable Energy Sources projects. Diferently from the traditional method, where the students are merely recipients meant to be alled by the professor1 , the idea is to concede a chance for the pupils, allowing them to guide their researches and activities based on their needs. In this context, a group called Photovoltaic Application in Needy Communities
(PANC), from the 2015 class, reached at the end of the period the implantation of the group's objective: a solar system in a Basic Health Center in Itajuba (MG). The methods applied by the group are discussed in this paper.

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Published

2020-03-13