1. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Engineering Level 1 Induction and Design Course Dr Peter MacConnell Dr Robin Henderson

2. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Aims Improve retention rates Build a sense of community amongst the students Be creative about how we approach the student learning experience Provide more feedback to students on performance Reduce marking workloads

3. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Outline of Level 1 design Straight into classes Limited group Work Individual Assessment Induction Programme Whole course based around working in groups Group and peer assessment

4. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Induction Programme First 3 days of term Introduction Business Games Model Building (out of rubbish!) Catapult design, build and test Evening reception Skills session (ALSU) What happens next Fun

5. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Reaction to induction 96% of the students enjoyed the course 96 thought that it helped them make friends 83% thought it helped them find there way around campus 71% thought that it helped them more understand what would happen next

6. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Reaction to induction “having been to Uni before I found this invaluable to making friends before the course started as when it starts there is less time to interact and make friends” “The induction course made me feel welcome very quickly” “I enjoyed the friendly competitiveness of the catapult competition” “The challenges and activities were good to get me thinking”

7. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Outcomes to the course Most of the groups worked well together Some problem groups – to be expected? Reduced marking load More students made it to January exams (awaiting June results to see full effects) Improved group working by students Evidence of more informal support amongst students

8. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Challenges Integration into other courses Facilitation and team building skills for staff Further design of exercises and assessments –Allow increased differentiation –More of a team “feel” to exercises

9. Engineering – Level 1 Design Course Contacts Peter MacConnell p.macconnell@eng.abdn.ac.uk p.macconnell@eng.abdn.ac.uk Robin Henderson robin.henderson@abdn.ac.uk robin.henderson@abdn.ac.uk