Metacognition changes during an engineering design project

This study evaluated metacognitive changes of three groups of engineering students working on a design project. Those three groups are electrical-computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science students. Two metacognitive features, cognitive self-appraisal and cognitive self-management were used to indicate students´ metacognitive level. The Engineering Design Project Inventory (EDPI) was used to assess students´ cognitive self-appraisal and management. One hundred and sixty engineering students working on 60 different senior design projects participated in this study. They were asked to complete the EDPI twice: at the early and final stages of the project. Statistical results revealed significant change in mechanical engineering students´ metacognition while engaged in the senior design project. Discussion on why significant metacognitive change occurred only in mechanical engineering students is included in the paper.