Visualization Performance Through Simulation Based Learning

The skill of visualization is fundamental to the teaching and learning of engineering design and graphics. Implicit in any skill is the ability to improve with training and practice. This study examines visualization performance using three teaching modalities of a Freshmen Design and Graphics course: 1) Traditional, 2) Project based Dissection, and 3) Simulation based Design. The first and second modalities focused assessment on the part/assembly form, whereas the third modality transitioned the outcome expectations to understanding and function of mechanism design. A shift of focus from Traditional (Form) to Simulation (Function) was expected to positively effect visualization performance. Analogously, medical education and practice also require visualization and high-fidelity simulation has provided numerous positive outcomes for the practice of medicine. Comparison of a random population of 375 from each year indicated a decline in the average visualization scores. Further analysis revealed that highest 100 and 250 exam score populations show improvement in average scores with consistent variance. This paper will examine simulation based learning in medicine and engineering, present our findings on the comparison between teaching modalities, and discuss the reasons for the unexpected bifurcation of results.