Encouraging the learning of hydraulic engineering subjects in agricultural engineering schools

Abstract

Several methodological approaches to improve the understanding and motivation of students in Hydraulic Engineering courses have been adopted in the Agricultural Engineering School at Technical University of Madrid. During three years student's progress and satisfaction have been assessed by continuous monitoring and the use of ‘online’ and web tools in two undergraduate courses. Results from their application to encourage learning and communication skills in Hydraulic Engineering subjects are analysed and compared to the initial situation. Student's academic performance has improved since their application, but surveys made among students showed that not all the methodological proposals were perceived as beneficial. Their participation in the ‘online’, classroom and reading activities was low although they were well assessed.

Keywords:

• learning skills
• student motivation
• hydraulic engineering subjects
• student satisfaction

Additional information

About the authors

Leonor Rodríguez Sinobas is professor at the Technical University of Madrid where she teaches courses in Hydraulic and Irrigation subjects. She received her BS and PhD from the same university and the degree of MS in Horticulture from University of California Davis. Her research interests include the simulation, distribution of water in irrigation systems and within the soil. She is the Head of the Research Group ‘Hydraulic for Irrigation’ and has co-authored research papers in international conferences and journals.

Raúl Sánchez Calvo is professor of Hydraulic Engineering and Irrigation Systems at Technical University of Madrid (UPM) since 2000, expert in energy optimisation and control of supply conditions in the pressure distribution networks. In 2005 he was a visiting scholar at Purdue University. He is the co-author of several articles on matters related to irrigation systems, quality of pressure distribution networks and irrigation applications.