Department of Mechanical Engineering described how the Experiential Learning theory was used to modify a mechanical engineering courses in order to increase student engagement and learning outcomes. Students have rated the course "Design of Machine Elements" as challenging. Traditional teaching strategies frequently fail to engage students. A theory of learning by experience is Experiential Learning. The design project and workshop activities were reorganized as part of the course's use of an experiential learning strategy so that students could engage in hands-on experience and targeted reflection to build knowledge. Students repeatedly experienced the learning cycles of "DO, OBSERVE, THINK, and PLAN" by investigating a physical gearbox model, thermal engineering systems, working on subtasks for the design project, participating in group discussions, asking questions, receiving feedback, and moving on to the next subtasks. The adoption of Experiential Learning dramatically improved student engagement and the learning experience, according to course survey results.
