Work in progress — Preparing students for lifelong learning in a capstone design environment

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) criteria for 2009-2010 requires that engineering programs demonstrate that their students attain “a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning”, suggesting that it is crucial to prepare students to become lifelong learners. In the Mechanical Engineering Department of Stevens Institute of Technology, a series of modules (design, industry, project management) which have been prepared by the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) as part of its Professional Practice Curriculum (PPC), are implemented within the senior design course in an effort to prepare students for self-directed learning. The modules are supplemented with, downloadable materials and other multimedia features. This study addresses the issue by focusing on the implementation process and outcomes assessment of the self-directed learning (SDL) modules in a senior level undergraduate capstone design course.