Teaching ceramic materials in mechanical engineering: An active learning experience

Teaching in higher education is a very demanding task, as students have easy access to information through a computer or mobile device, and nothing seems to surprise them. One of the main concerns of Mechanical Engineering professors is the transmission of the best general competencies and scientific knowledge, and the development of skills that will be very useful in their future professional life in a global employment market. In this way, teachers must continually innovate to motivate students and catch their attention, adopting new teaching methodologies, such as active learning. The main objectives of this teaching methodology are: to provide advanced knowledge in engineering; resolve of engineering problems; experimentation and knowledge discovering and, improvement of soft skills. This paper describes a project entitled “Production of a ceramic component,” included in the Curricular Unit of Non-Metallic Materials, proposed to the students of the third year, the first semester of a Mechanical Engineering course. Each group is assigned a ceramic component and is asked to research and prepare an oral presentation and a poster where they describe all the stages of the manufacturing process. They must consider component requirements, and the scientific and technical details of its production from materials selection to its sale. To carry out this assignment, students must review their basic knowledge of materials science, technical drawing, and materials and manufacture of ceramic components (subjects previously taught in different courses), and search in databases of material properties. Although this assignment is very challenging and time-consuming, students report in informal conversations promoted by teachers that they enjoy it and feel very motivated. They consider that this type of work better prepares them for their future professional life, by improving their soft skills.