Teaching Strategies of an Introductory Course by Peer Instruction for Undergraduate Students in Vehicle Engineering

Abstract

“Structure and Principle of Internal Combustion Engine†is a fundamental compulsory course for undergraduate students in vehicle engineering. Many instructors have to use traditional lecture method because of a huge assignment and an urgent time schedule, leading to a less understanding and a lower motivation for students. Peer instruction is a new pedagogy which changes the monologue style of traditional lecture. The level of active learning is enhanced via a series of concept tests in class. Four norms including active learning, cooperative learning, instructor-student interaction, and student-student interaction make this new pedagogy effective and prevalent. In this study, the peer instruction is reviewed at first. Then, the theory of peer instruction is presented. Next, the implementation strategies for this introductory course is discussed.