SEFI@work : Ambiguity in Engineering Problem Solving

SEFI@work: Ambiguity in Engineering Problem Solving | The (un)certainty (dis)comfort series from the SEFI Ethics SIG

Date : Dec 16, 15h30-16h30 (CET)

Description:
What is ambiguity ? That is the central question that has driven our research on engineering problem solving. Within the field of problem solving ambiguity remains largely undefined, even though navigating ambiguity is a key aspect of understanding and successfully solving engineering problems. We have developed a framework for ambiguity through an empirical study on how engineering students and professionals experienced ambiguity. One of our key findings is that ambiguity consists of multiple dimensions. In this session we will describe these dimensions, how they are experienced differently by students and professionals, and make suggestions for how to help students learn to navigate ambiguity.

This workshop is for you if:

• You want to understand what makes engineering problems ambiguous.
• You want ideas on how to incorporate ambiguity into your assignments for students.
• You want to connect with other researchers and teachers interested in supporting engineering students to constructively engage with uncertainty.

Speakers:
Elliot P. Douglas, Department Head and Professor, Environmental Engineering Sciences, Professor, Engineering Education, University of Florida

David J. Therriault, Associate Professor, School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education, University of Florida

Target Audience: Engineering Educators, Engineering Education Researchers, Engineering Education PhD Students, Curriculum Developers

The (un)certainty (dis)comfort workshop series is a SEFI SIG Ethics project organised by Siara Isaac (EPFL).