Cioc, Sorin; Cioc, Carmen; Haughton, .. A; Evans, William T
description
<p><span>In mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology education, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications is critical for promoting student learning and engagement, particularly in core technical subjects such as fluid mechanics. This study explores the pilot implementation of a series of open lab experiences in an advanced fluid mechanics course, aimed at enhancing students' learning of fluid flow in pipelines. These open labs provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore fundamental fluid dynamics concepts and encouraging active learning.</span><span> </span></p>
<p><span>To evaluate the impact of these open lab experiences, an anonymous survey assessed students' perceptions of their learning experiences, focusing on engagement, confidence in applying theoretical concepts, and the perceived relevance of lab activities to practical applications. Preliminary findings reveal that 50% of students reported being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the open lab experience, while 83% found the experiences "extremely effective" or "effective" in enhancing their understanding of core fluid mechanics concepts. These results suggest that while satisfaction levels vary, the labs are highly effective in achieving their primary educational objectives.</span><span> </span></p>
<p><span>This pilot study contributes to the growing conversation on innovative engineering education strategies by demonstrating the value of experiential learning approaches, particularly the integration of entrepreneurial mindset learning (EML) into laboratory experiences.</span></p>
