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Teaching Mechanics

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State of the Art and Future Trends in Material Modeling

Part of the book series: Advanced Structured Materials ((STRUCTMAT,volume 100))

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Abstract

In this Chapter issues associated with teaching mechanics in its broadest sense are discussed. A historical approach is adopted throughout in the belief that this is important for novice students to help them comprehend the conceptual difficulties inherent in this subject. It also highlights the historical problems which its creators faced and the teaching methods used at the time. The Chapter describes a conceptual teaching approach, enhanced through technology, which was initially developed for physics education in large classes, although the pedagogy is based on Socratic Dialogue. For reasons which will become clear the focus is on introductory courses: it is considered crucial that novice students are provided with an opportunity to experience a different way of thinking about mechanics. An emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding before mathematical technique.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

    James T. Boyle

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  1. James T. Boyle
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Correspondence to James T. Boyle .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany

    Holm Altenbach

  2. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Esslingen, Germany

    Andreas Öchsner

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Boyle, J.T. (2019). Teaching Mechanics. In: Altenbach, H., Öchsner, A. (eds) State of the Art and Future Trends in Material Modeling . Advanced Structured Materials, vol 100. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30355-6_2

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