How Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Students Define and Develop Data Proficiency

Godwyll Aikins, Catherine G.P. Berdanier, Kim Doang Nguyen

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper examines how mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE) students conceptualize and develop data proficiency within their engineering curriculum. The growing importance of data across all engineering fields means students must master data skills - including advanced techniques - to remain competitive. However, there's limited research on how non-computer science majors understand data proficiency and seek opportunities for skill development. We investigate the nature of data proficiency from the perspective of undergraduate MAE students, conducting 27 qualitative interviews at a research institution in the southeastern United States. Using the How People Learn framework with a postpositivist approach, we employed thematic analysis to evaluate the data within this study's context. Results indicate that MAE students perceive data proficiency as vital for their careers and evidence-based engineering decisions. Moreover, despite data proficiency being a "hidden competency," MAE students actively seek various ways to improve their skills. These findings offer insights for engineering educators, allowing them to tailor instruction, address misconceptions about data, and prepare a data-literate workforce.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings
StatePublished - Jun 23 2024
Event2024 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition - Portland, United States
Duration: Jun 23 2024Jun 26 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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