The role of experiments in inductive learning

This paper presents the results of Rowan University chemical engineering department's efforts in teaching using the inductive method. In this paper our use of incorporating experiments into the inductive teaching and learning process will be given. We will give examples of experiments used in teaching Freshman Clinic, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and separations. A major thrust of this paper will be to show why traditional experimental procedures need to be altered to fit into an inductive method. We believe that this method of teaching appeals to the inductive learner which is the preferred method of most students. A deductive learner prefers to proceed from general to specific, while an inductive learner prefers to proceed from specific to general. Studies have shown that induction promotes deeper learning and results in longer retention of the information to students. Induction, in many cases, is also the method in which the original material was discovered! This style of teaching is relatively rare in engineering courses and is almost non-existent in textbooks.