Chemical Technology June 2015

Comment

Using podcasts to achieve educational excellence by Geoff Maitland, IChemE Past President, 2014-2015, posted on his blog, ChemEng365, on 29 April 2015

F or an individual to excel at chemical engineering, both a good education and personal determination are needed. Chemical engineering education must be built on a solid foundation in the fundamen- tal principles of chemical engineering sci- ence. However, there is a need to constantly review and modernise not just our course content, but the way we deliver it as well. The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, has a research group dedicated to engineering education. This group contributes to a wider collaboration in the Centre for Research in Engineering and Science Education (CREE). At UCT, there is a passion to provide the best possible foundation for young chemical engineers. The research group’s main objec- tive is to understand barriers to learning. By understanding the factors that inhibit the learning of key principles and the acquisition of core skills, the education process can be enhanced. Student retention, self-sufficiency and integration all improve. The way that students are taught today is rather different from what I experienced as an undergraduate. However, research into learn- ing methods demonstrates that students still consider lectures as an important part of the education process. Some of the research covered by UCT has addressed the use of podcasts – these provide additional information rather than a substitute for lectures. The researchers found that when

podcasts were provided, more than half of the students accessed them, and, contrary what people might think there was no marked decline in lecture attendance. Feedback from UCT students indicated that it was particularly useful for those learning in their non-native language. The availability of the podcasts throughout the academic year led to an observed increase in downloads before and during exam times – as one might expect! The development of more effective educa- tion for the next generation of scientists and engineers is always challenging, but the educa- tion development programme at UCT is striving to improve teaching methods and promote self-sufficiency of students. Taking ownership of personal and professional development is something to be encouraged throughout an entire career. Last year, a new curriculum for chemical engineering students at UCT was launched. The aim is to improve learning and relevance. Classes are structured as 45 minute lectures followed by 45 minute mini-tutorials. Practical work is also important, as is project work. Com- petency and understanding is also assessed in a variety of ways. Advances in technology are changing the way we live and the way in which we learn. I believe that these new developments at UCT are a great step forward and I look forward to hearing more about the impact they have on learning outcomes in South Africa. Go to: www.ichemeblog.org/2015/04/29

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Chemical Technology • June 2015