Discover how Professor Gerard Nagle’s use of Mastering Engineering transformed student engagement and boosted performance in Fluid Mechanics.
Professor Gerard Nagle at Technological University Dublin saw his Fluid Mechanics students struggle with complex theories, leading to low engagement and performance. Traditional teaching methods were not bridging the gap between academic concepts and practical application, leaving students disconnected from material that is vital to their success as future engineers.
COVID-19 prompted Nagle to rethink his teaching strategy. He adopted Mastering Engineering, which allowed him to redesign assessments and give students regular practice with instant feedback. Nagle chose Hibbeler's textbook as the foundation for his Mastering Engineering implementation because "the questions are practical and well-illustrated, making it easier for students to visualize and understand the problems." Implementing Mastering Engineering allows Nagle to hold students accountable for weekly homework easily integrated with his LMS offering personalized support without penalty while encouraging students to persist and learn at their own pace.
Results were clear: students improved their performance by 10-20% after just 2-3 hours of bi-weekly Mastering Engineering homework. Engagement soared, with students seeking clarification and actively participating. “Before using Mastering Engineering, I rarely had students asking for clarifications,” Nagle said. After implementing Mastering Engineering, students frequently approached Nagle with questions, indicating they were actively working on their assignments and engaging with the material.
From his experience with Mastering Engineering, Nagle found the hints feature particularly valuable, as it allowed students to receive help without losing credit. The platform's automatic grading provided students with detailed performance breakdowns, while his favorite features—the e-textbook and average completion time data—proved essential for course management.
By embracing interactive technology, Nagle bridged the gap between theory and practice, boosting student engagement and understanding. Mastering Engineering helped create a collaborative, motivating classroom culture and better prepared students for future engineering careers.
