Encouraging students to study theory through interdisciplinary projects, teamwork and e-learning

This paper summarizes the contents of our experiences with project based courses at the first two semesters of the undergraduate program in Electronics and Information Technology at Copenhagen University College of Engineering. Engineering students coming directly from high school are difficult to motivate to learn pure theoretical issues such as calculus and physics, especially when we talk about undergraduate engineering students, who do not expect to continue their education higher than to a Bachelor of Engineering. At the same time, and for the same reason, the fail rate in mathematics and physics is very high during the first two semesters. This was the reason why we decided to change the structure of our education and combine the theory with practical projects. This paper describes the main points of our program and shows some examples of semester-projects. Semester projects are the motivating factors. Team work helps students to overcome the difficulties caused by the big change in their life, which is start at the university combined with moving away from home and probably from home city. E-learning is the supporting tool to the learning process, helping them to solve and illustrate the mathematical problems, and making communication between students and teachers easier. The examination results show improved learning potential when using this method of education. The students' evaluations are very positive concerning their experience with this “practical” way of learning the theory, and the effect is higher pass rate and higher grading, especially for the practical oriented students.