A process oriented class in engineering design: how it works

This paper describes techniques that are used in competency-based, introductory engineering design courses. Material used in the course has been produced and developed by the TIDEE (Transferable Integrated Design in Engineering Education) coalition, an NSF sponsored project with principal investigators at Washington State University, Tacoma Community College and the University of Washington. The course develops creative problem solving techniques, communication and teamwork skills. It emphasizes process improvement rather than evaluating the product and results. This provides an opportunity for students to take risks, try new approaches and gain confidence.