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A learning methodology using Matlab/Simulink for undergraduate electrical engineering courses attending to learner satisfaction outcomes

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Abstract

Learner-centred approaches follow the prevailing tendency in modern University reforms which are primarily concerned about “how people learn”. The methodologies can be learner-centred in the sense of placing the student as the main actor of the teaching–learning process by increasing his interactivity and participation, but also considering what is relevant for the student by measuring the learner satisfaction. In order to promote both aspects, this paper proposes a synchronous software-based active methodology that makes use of the simulations to show a virtual scenario to the students and challenge them to predict and discuss the evolution of the scenario. The proposed methodology improves the visual interface, promotes discussion both among students and with the teacher in a brainstorming stage and shows real-world examples. This software-based methodology has been implemented into an Electric Machinery course at the University of Seville (Spain), and the evaluation has been carried out considering both the affective and cognitive domains. Principal components analysis proves to be useful to highlight the dimensions with a higher influence on learner satisfaction and the affective and cognitive results confirm the successful implementation of the proposal.

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Abbreviations

EHEA:

European higher education area

IE:

Industrial engineering

CE:

Chemical engineering

CON:

Content

UI:

User interface

EOU:

Ease of use

EAM:

Enthusiasm and motivation

UPI:

User participation and initiative

PE:

Previous experience

S:

Satisfaction

SBM:

Software-based methodology

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Electrical Engineering Department, University of Seville, Camino de los Descubrimientos S7N, Seville, 41092, Spain

    Mario J. Durán, Sergio Gallardo, Sergio L. Toral & Federico J. Barrero

  2. Business Administration and Marketing Department, University of Seville, Avda San Francisco Javier S/N, Seville, 41005, Spain

    Rocío Martínez-Torres

Authors
  1. Mario J. Durán
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  2. Sergio Gallardo
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  3. Sergio L. Toral
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  4. Rocío Martínez-Torres
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  5. Federico J. Barrero
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Correspondence to Mario J. Durán.

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Durán, M.J., Gallardo, S., Toral, S.L. et al. A learning methodology using Matlab/Simulink for undergraduate electrical engineering courses attending to learner satisfaction outcomes. Int J Technol Des Educ 17, 55–73 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-006-9007-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-006-9007-z

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