Curriculum Integration of the Canadian Engineering Grand Challenges in a First-year Undergraduate Design Course Using Multi-layered Peer Learning: A Methodology

Abstract

This paper introduces a methodology to investigate the impact of utilizing multilayered peer learning pedagogical strategies to integrate the Canadian Engineering Grand Challenges into a large first-year engineering design course. The Canadian Engineering Grand Challenges (CEGC) evolved from the seventeen UN sustainable development goals (UNSDG). The CEGC focus on achieving access to safe water; resilient infrastructure; sustainable energy, industry, and cities; and inclusive STEM education. The incorporation of the CEGC into higher education can be viewed as a tool to empower students to understand the significance of engineering in society with respect to the achievement of the UNSDG. Consequently, their inclusion in the first-year engineering education curriculum serves to engage students with urgent and complex societal problems and the socio-contextual impact of engineering decisions and designs. Peer learning has regularly been applied as an active learning strategy, often with smaller class sizes. A multilayered peer learning strategy was implemented to engage students with the CEGC in a large class of ~1100 students. This strategy is reviewed with respect to delivery logistics and observed efficacy.