A problem-solving approach for teaching engineering laboratories

This paper describes how the laboratory experimental part of a mechanics and vibration course in the Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering Department at the University of Toledo was redeveloped. The purpose of the redevelopment was to transform the learning process from subject-based learning to problem-solving learning. A particular objective was to provide the students with more hands-on experience and to challenge them by requesting the procedure for each laboratory experiment to be designed and carried out by the students. The authors believe that the redevelopment had an overall beneficial impact on the students' learning.