Developing next generation research competencies through collaborative student design and advanced manufacturing projects

Students can remain in passive learning states even during participative, active learning projects and risk missing deeper learning opportunities. Faculty at Purdue University's Department of Aviation Technology, Aeronautical Engineering Technology (AET) program incorporated additional outcomes of forward thinking design and innovative research considerations into a traditional design-test-build project involving two senior level courses. Using a collaborative design approach, two AET classes were chartered to produce a component for actual use within aircraft maintenance laboratories. Additionally, students were challenged to focus on extended research goals and utility beyond just production of the component itself. As a result, student teams collaboratively produced a robust, real-use tool that is being used in other 'Hangar of the Future' research and development activities within the department. Some of those same students are now assisting in larger next generation research activities using this same component. © 2010, FAA Academy.