Didactic models for active and inquiry-based learning of machines and mechanisms.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Didactic models for active and inquiry-based learning of machines and mechanisms.
Authors: Bartolomé, E1,2 (AUTHOR) ebartolome@icmab.es
Source: International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education. Apr2026, Vol. 54 Issue 2, p432-457. 26p.
Subjects: Mechanical models, Inquiry-based learning, Teaching aids, Active learning, Engineering education, Three-dimensional printing, Educational benefits, Mechanical movements
Abstract: Didactic models are invaluable resources for teaching Machines and Mechanisms, a crucial subject in the Engineering curriculum. This work investigates the impact of various types of models on learning outcomes across different instructional approaches, from traditional to active and inquiry-based learning methods. We analyzed a range of didactic models used in a second-year Theory of Machines and Mechanism (TMM) course at EUSS School of Engineering in Barcelona over the past decade, including: i) mechanical models built with "Meccano" parts, 3D-printed models, and kits simulating "fairground attractions", introduced in traditional teaching settings; ii) real machines and student-developed models used in in TMM courses based on the "Study and Research Path" (SRP) approach, and iii) advanced didactic machines, created by fourth-year students. We discuss the educational benefits provided by these models, considering aspects like the theoretical concepts they mobilize, their construction (by teachers or students), design flexibility, materials used, complexity, and realism. Additionally, we examine how these models enrich the Media and Milieu dialectics, promote the development of both technical and transversal skills, and present a range of advantages and challenges in each TMM context. Our findings offer valuable insights into how models enhance the teaching and learning experience in Machines and Mechanisms, guiding instructors in selecting appropriate models and instructional strategies based on course objectives, student characteristics, and contextual constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Full text is not displayed to guests.
FullText Links:
  – Type: pdflink
Text:
  Availability: 1
Header DbId: egs
DbLabel: Engineering Source
An: 192655882
AccessLevel: 6
PubType: Academic Journal
PubTypeId: academicJournal
PreciseRelevancyScore: 0
IllustrationInfo
Items – Name: Title
  Label: Title
  Group: Ti
  Data: Didactic models for active and inquiry-based learning of machines and mechanisms.
– Name: Author
  Label: Authors
  Group: Au
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Bartolomé%2C+E%22">Bartolomé, E</searchLink><relatesTo>1,2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> ebartolome@icmab.es</i>
– Name: TitleSource
  Label: Source
  Group: Src
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Mechanical+Engineering+Education%22">International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education</searchLink>. Apr2026, Vol. 54 Issue 2, p432-457. 26p.
– Name: Subject
  Label: Subjects
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mechanical+models%22">Mechanical models</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Inquiry-based+learning%22">Inquiry-based learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Teaching+aids%22">Teaching aids</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Active+learning%22">Active learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Engineering+education%22">Engineering education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Three-dimensional+printing%22">Three-dimensional printing</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+benefits%22">Educational benefits</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mechanical+movements%22">Mechanical movements</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Didactic models are invaluable resources for teaching Machines and Mechanisms, a crucial subject in the Engineering curriculum. This work investigates the impact of various types of models on learning outcomes across different instructional approaches, from traditional to active and inquiry-based learning methods. We analyzed a range of didactic models used in a second-year Theory of Machines and Mechanism (TMM) course at EUSS School of Engineering in Barcelona over the past decade, including: i) mechanical models built with "Meccano" parts, 3D-printed models, and kits simulating "fairground attractions", introduced in traditional teaching settings; ii) real machines and student-developed models used in in TMM courses based on the "Study and Research Path" (SRP) approach, and iii) advanced didactic machines, created by fourth-year students. We discuss the educational benefits provided by these models, considering aspects like the theoretical concepts they mobilize, their construction (by teachers or students), design flexibility, materials used, complexity, and realism. Additionally, we examine how these models enrich the Media and Milieu dialectics, promote the development of both technical and transversal skills, and present a range of advantages and challenges in each TMM context. Our findings offer valuable insights into how models enhance the teaching and learning experience in Machines and Mechanisms, guiding instructors in selecting appropriate models and instructional strategies based on course objectives, student characteristics, and contextual constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=egs&AN=192655882
RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Identifiers:
      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1177/03064190241310053
    Languages:
      – Code: eng
        Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 26
        StartPage: 432
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Mechanical models
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Inquiry-based learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Teaching aids
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Active learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Engineering education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Three-dimensional printing
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Educational benefits
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mechanical movements
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Didactic models for active and inquiry-based learning of machines and mechanisms.
        Type: main
  BibRelationships:
    HasContributorRelationships:
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Bartolomé, E
    IsPartOfRelationships:
      – BibEntity:
          Dates:
            – D: 01
              M: 04
              Text: Apr2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
          Identifiers:
            – Type: issn-print
              Value: 03064190
          Numbering:
            – Type: volume
              Value: 54
            – Type: issue
              Value: 2
          Titles:
            – TitleFull: International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education
              Type: main
ResultId 1