Physical Simulations in Classroom as a Pedagogical Tool for Enhancing Manufacturing Instruction in Engineering Technology Programs

Lean is a powerful philosophy that advocates minimization of waste within an organization. The adoption of Lean Manufacturing philosophy by major manufacturers has created a demand for qualified personnel in this area. Higher education is not far behind in incorporating this philosophy into their curriculum. A number of universities have started offering both graduate and undergraduate courses in Lean Manufacturing. Physical simulations are often an integral part of these courses. Simulation based Lean enterprise concepts have been introduced in an undergraduate course in mechanical engineering technology program at Old Dominion University. Results show increased student participation and better understanding of Lean concepts. This paper examines the use of simulations as a pedagogical tool and studies their impact on student learning in an undergraduate engineering technology course. The paper also discusses the assessment process to measure the impact of simulation-based instruction. An attitudinal survey has also been developed to assess the impact of the training program on student\u27s thinking