Design Project Research

Research into the Use of Design Projects in the Engineering Curriculum at Loughborough University. 

The teaching of design and groupwork is one of the strengths of Loughborough’s engineering-related teaching and this study seeks to document and recognise the excellent practices that are currently occurring.

The initial research questions framing the work are:

    *  What role do design projects have in the curriculum?
    * How do design projects involve industry in the curriculum?
    * What approach to teaching is used by lecturers using design projects?

The questions relate to engCETL aims:

    * To provide evidence of practice in claimed areas of excellence,
    * To show the relationship to industry involvement in the curriculum and capture processes whereby industry is involved
    * To capture examples of good, transferable practice.

The overall aim is to produce a comparative analysis of the use of design projects, identify good practice, provide examples of new or different practice for other departments (spot any gaps and commonalities). The comparative analysis will provide opportunities for conversations and work on transferring practice.

Progress: 80%

Interviews have been conducted, transcribed and analysed, and are being transferred into a case study format for wider dissemination.