Faculty recognizes teaching excellence

(Edmonton) In two of the courses she teaches, mechanical engineering professor Kajsa Duke sees students at extreme ends of the educational spectrum. In a second-year course on computer assisted design, students are new to engineering; in the final-year capstone course Duke was lead instructor on this year, they're required to draw everything they've learned to complete a team project.

The second-year course teaches the students to use software called solid works as a design tool. The class is tied to another course in which students are required to design, build and race robotic vehicles.

"We assume in that class that they have no experience and there is a lot to take in over a short period of time," says Duke.

The course first teaches students that they can actually use the software to design and create, giving them the "fun" aspect first. Then, it gets into more detail about different standards of designing for manufacture.

She adds that in the capstone course, her job is not as much about teaching as it is about directing. In the course, students work in teams to develop an engineering solution for a client-often from industry or academia, or an entrepreneur. The course culminates in a presentation of designs to the client and a panel of industry and academic representatives.

"This is the class where I kind of tell the students I can't really help them anymore because they're going to be the experts on their projects," she said. "I can help in the process and point them to someone who is an expert in the area, but it's more like I am guiding you more on how to run a large project."

Duke was one of six professors and 13 graduate students receiving Faculty of Engineering teaching and research awards. For Duke, winning the Faculty of Engineering Undergraduate Teaching Award-which comes from students-is an honour.

"I put a large amount of work and effort into teaching," she says, "I'm thrilled to get this award."