David Kockelbergh

A 2007 graduate of Loughborough University, David returns to further his studies under the supervision of Dr. Keith Gregory (Dept. of Electronic and Electrical Engineering) by developing a complete teaching aid for use with undergraduates in a variety of electrical engineering subjects.

Research

The research being carried out centres on the conceptual development of students undertaking a module on electrical machine theory. The concepts involved underpin not only this subject, but a variety of other subjects within the discipline of electrical engineering.  These concepts are notoriously hard to visualise and development often proceeds along a less than ideal path.  The development process is further complicated by prior knowledge forming misconceptions which must be removed.  The research question therefore asks what can be done to address this, and the aims are to develop the technology and pedagogic tools necessary to do so using constructivist theory and real-time data acquisition tools.

Methodology

The research currently uses multiple choice questionnaires (not attached to assessment) to identify the understanding of students with regard to key concepts (magneto-motive force, phasors and inductive reactance) at various stages of the teaching period, the difference between them describing the conceptual development of the students throughout the course. It is hoped to supplement this data with interview transcripts, and continue this data collection for future student groups through the module. Custom hardware has been installed in machine sets used in teaching, and this will be combined with custom software designed in line with constructivist principles. The purpose of this is to highlight misconceptions and prove their invalidity, generating cognitive development as a result of it being the only rational course of action open to the learner.