Engineering Commons^™

Learning Streams: A Case Study In Curriculum Integration, Mani Mina, Arun K. Somani, Akhilesh Tyagi, Diane T. Rover, Matthew Feldmann, Mack C. Shelley

Diane Rover

During 2004-2005, the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University in collaboration with educational colleagues in the Research Institute for Studies in Education piloted a new curricula model to improve student learning through vertical integration of educational activities using new program structures. We offered an experimental course sequence during Fall 2004 and Spring 2005, defined as a “learning stream.” A learning stream is a basic element of a novel program structure designed specifically to vertically integrate subject matter across courses. A learning stream merges and re-organizes material to more effectively present and reinforce key …