Join Anu Singh on Nov 21 to explore how engineering students develop argumentation skills crucial for problem-solving and communication. Through student interviews, this study identifies distinct argument schemas and underscores the need for targeted instructional support.
Thursday, Nov 21st 2-3 pm CT
Kiewitt Hall A251 or via Zoom
Title:
Argument Schema of Undergraduate Engineering Students
Abstract:
Engineering students are often engaged in complex problem-solving and decision making, where strong argumentation skills are needed for students to justify their solutions and communicate effectively in both academic and professional environments. Despite the importance of argumentation skills, formal instruction on argumentative writing is rarely provided in engineering. This study explored engineering students' argument schema, providing a foundation for developing instructional supports to improve their argumentation skills.
In-depth interviews with 13 undergraduate engineering students enrolled in the second through senior year of their engineering program across multiple US institutions were performed. The findings revealed two distinct argument schemas, with variation in students’ knowledge of different elements of argument schema. The need for instructional support to improve students’ argumentation skills was clear. Based on the findings, recommendations for instructors will be offered.
To learn more about Anu Singh's work visit https://engineering.unl.edu/DBER/anu-singh/.