Student teams are encouraged to learn on their own and bridge the gap between experimental resources provided and expected results by developing their own procedures. We don t attempt to teach students how to use every instrument, software package, or sensor that they might encounter during their working careers. Students inspect systems designed by experienced professional engineers. Students use manufacturer specification sheets and catalogs Students discover relationships by observing how systems react to varying inputs. Students evaluate competitive devices.
Students develop models to predict performance and compare predictions to measurements.
Because the MEL sequence is novel to engineering education, we have introduced it gradually and assessed it carefully over the introduction period. However, they were concerned that MEL may be at the extreme end of what students can handle. Further evidence from Fall Semester 1988 supports this contention. MEL open-endedness requires much more teacher time MEL creates a higher frustration level than needed. The background supplied at the start of a MEL assignment often seems overwhelming.