Overview
As computing and software technologies rapidly evolve, so must the ways students learn.
This lecture introduces a new mentorship-based experiential learning framework designed to enhance engagement and skill development in Computer Engineering. Through flipped classrooms, live-coding sessions, open discussions and project-driven labs, this approach helps students connect classroom concepts with practical experience across multiple courses. The initiative aims to redefine how students experience engineering education by building confidence, creativity, and independence in their technical learning journey.
- Meeting ID: 985 1717 4191
- Passcode: 368939
Abstract
To address the teaching challenges in computer and software engineering, professor Scott Chen and his team developed a mentorship-based experiential learning framework that blends active and collaborative learning. The model combines flipped classrooms, live-coding sessions, open discussions, and project-driven labs while embedding a mid-size software project across two second-year Computer Engineering courses.
The framework bridges theory and practice in a cohesive way, both during class and through independent work. Student feedback shows strong improvements in engagement, learning outcomes, and confidence in completing self-directed projects. With continued data collection and refinements, the framework is being expanded into upper-year courses to further strengthen student learning.
About the speaker
Scott Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McMaster University. He completed his Bachelor of Applied Science with honours at Simon Fraser University and his PhD at the University of Waterloo, specializing in transdermal vapour biomedical sensors.
Chen has extensive experience in both academia and industry, having worked as an embedded systems engineer, sensor systems engineer, and technical project manager. Before joining McMaster, he served as a professor and program coordinator at Conestoga College, where he was nominated for the 2021 Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award. His work focuses on integrating mentorship and experiential learning into engineering education to create more meaningful and effective learning experiences.
Who should attend
This lecture will be of interest to:
- Curriculum designers and program coordinators exploring experiential learning models
- Faculty and instructors interested in innovative teaching practices
- Researchers in engineering education and pedagogy
- Computer and software engineering students