Constructive Student Roles for Authentic Collaboration in Engineering Design Challenges

Abstract

Student roles can promote collaboration and individual accountability in groups during engineering design challenges. However, student disengagement may occur if students do not perceive value in their roles. We introduce four distinct roles—quality inspector, market researcher, advertiser, and coordinator. These roles introduce meaningful tasks that contribute to addressing engineering design challenges in group settings and offer differentiated opportunities to address the science and engineering practices. The quality inspector conducts peer reviews of designs from different groups. The market researcher collects and analyzes consumer feedback for product improvement. The advertiser creates engaging illustrations of their work for consumers through media like flyers, reports, or videos. The coordinator organizes, supports, and facilitates their group members and acts as a liaison between teammates and the teacher. The teacher facilitates, supports, models, and guides students in their new responsibilities. Collectively, each student role presents opportunities for meaningful collaboration toward product innovation by emphasizing the importance of each role in achieving the design goal.

Keywords:

• Student roles
• collaboration
• engineering design
• STEM
• science and engineering practices

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew Kipp

Dr. Andrew Kipp ([email protected]) is a clinical assistant professor in STEM education and is the program lead for the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Emphasis in STEM program at Texas A&M University. In this position, he dedicates his efforts in teaching and research to advancing STEM education and contributing to school improvement. Prior to Texas A&M, he taught high school chemistry at Gardner Edgerton High School in Gardner, Kansas.

Gustavo Perez

Dr. Gustavo Perez is a clinical assistant professor in STEM education and holds the position of lead faculty for the Middle Grades 4-8 Math/Science Education program at Texas A&M University’s Higher Education Center at McAllen, located in McAllen, Texas. His role is split between teaching, program service, and research to advance the scholarship and higher education participation of underserved student groups in STEM education. Previously, he served 14 years as a STEM education specialist with the Region One Education Service Center in Edinburg, Texas.