Enhancing student motivation in targeted undergraduate education

Future aims of an undergraduate student are likely to evolve during the education timeline. While new knowledge and experiences emerge into students mind, the way of thinking and decision making matures, hence builds up student´s mental and academic perspective. This whole progress embodies a natural motivation as a result of ongoing “change”. However, a targeted undergraduate education may suffer from the deficiency of this natural motivation where the students are partially aware of the future awaiting them. Military academies are good examples of targeted education, since the students have substantial amount of knowledge about their career alternatives. It is up to the instructor to overcome the negative effects of this situation. The instructor, being acquainted with the practical aspects of the courses, can build solid connections between conceptual knowledge and real-world applications where possible. For instance, it is natural that Air Force Academy students are best motivated with flight and related activities. Hence, using flying platforms, flight dynamics and similar content in experimental studies and in-class demonstrations will play a vital role in motivating students for academic study. In this sense, a four rotor aerial experimentation platform is designed, built and utilized for courses and laboratories. Here learning objectives/outcomes of in-class demonstrations are emphasized rather than technical details which are given in previously published articles. The method is evaluated by student surveys and instructor observations.