Flexible teaching content can improve learning Mechatronics

This paper investigates the potential improvement in qualitative student learning, by introducing a flexible course structure in the multifaceted course of Mechatronics. Several methods are introduced to facilitate flexibility in teaching content, based on prior student knowledge, discussions, and interactions during the course. An anonymous quiz is developed to test students’ prior knowledge. Course structure is constructively aligned to allow flexibility, while preserving intended learning outcomes. Class discussions and interactions are encouraged by introducing a forum concerning home assignments and by implementing pedagogical content knowledge that does not only relate to mandatory subject matter, but includes also informative material in the form of demos, historical notes, practical examples, videos and short questions. Results from course evaluation show that the students appreciate the flexible course structure