A blended learning approach to teach fluid mechanics in engineering

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a case study on the teaching and learning of fluid mechanics at the University of Western Sydney (UWS), Australia, by applying a blended learning approach (BLA). In the adopted BLA, various flexible learning materials have been made available to the students such as online recorded lectures, online recorded tutorials, hand written tutorial solutions, discussion board and online practice quizzes. The lecture and tutorial class times have been primarily utilised to discuss confusing topics and engage students with practical issues in applying the theories learnt in fluid mechanics. Based on the data of over 734 students over a 4-year period, it has been shown that a BLA has improved the learning experience of the fluid mechanics students in UWS. The overall percentage of student satisfaction in this subject has increased by 18% in the BLA case compared with the traditional one.

KEYWORDS:

• Civil engineering
• fluid dynamics
• e-learning
• engineering education

Notes on contributor

Dr Ataur Rahman obtained his PhD in civil engineering from Monash University, Australia in 1997, and Masters in Hydrology from National University of Ireland in 1991. He served as School Honours Coordinator and Academic Course Advisor in School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Western Sydney (UWS) for eight years. He developed seven courses in civil engineering in UWS. He has contributed to 273 scholarly publications including 88 refereed journal articles. He has supervised 17 PhD students. He was nominated for Vice Chancellor's Excellence for Teaching and Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) Award. He received the G. N. Alexander Medal from Engineers Australia for his research on stochastic hydrology. He is fellow of Engineers Australia.