A Blended Learning Approach to Enhance Learning and Teaching of Fluid Mechanics

Speaker: Ataur Rahman

Affiliation: University of Western Sydney

Time: Monday 20/07/2015 from 14:00 to 15:00

Venue: Access Grid UWS. Presented from Penrith (Y239), accessible from Parramatta (EB.1.32) and Campbelltown (26.1.50).

Abstract: Fluid Mechanics is a core subject in civil and mechanical engineering courses. This subject needs a strong background in mathematics and physics. This paper presents a case study of teaching and learning of fluid mechanics at University of Western Sydney (UWS). In UWS, fluid mechanics is a high-failure rated subject based on the data over a decade. UWS has adopted various strategies to reduce the failure rate of this subject. More recently, a blended learning approach has been adopted to revitalize the learning materials of this subject. Since many students in UWS are involved in part-time work, they cannot attend regular lectures; however, alternative learning materials have been made available to these students such as recorded lectures, recorded tutorials, on-line tutorial solutions, discussion board and on-line practice quizzes. Based on the data of over 150 students, it has been shown that a blended learning approach has improved the learning experience and success rate of the students in UWS in fluid mechanics.

Biography: Assoc Professor Ataur Rahman has over 20 years experiences in water industries, research and universities in Australia and South-east Asia. He obtained his PhD degree in Hydrology from Monash University in Australia. His research interest includes flood hydrology, urban hydrology and environmental risk assessment. He received ‘The G. N. Alexander Medal’ from the Institution of Engineers Australia in 2002. He has published over 230 research papers, reports and book chapters in water and environmental engineering field. He is acting as Project 5 Leader (Regional flood methods) in the forthcoming revised version of Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR). He is serving in the editorial board of Australian Journal of Water Resources and international journal Water.