“IKEA Effect” and project-based instruction in intermediate strength of materials course

Abstract

This study deals with making the strength of material courses taught at mechanical, civil, and aerospace departments more effective by incorporating a series of personalized projects. These projects are parametrized by some entries that are made personal depending on the serial number of the student in the class. Cooperation is encouraged along with the need to evaluate the results that depend on the student's serial number. The correlation with the so-called IKEA effect is demonstrated. It appears that the results are extremely encouraging, leading to a much better understanding of issues. The project-based teaching has the aim of enhancing involvement and promoting interest and collaboration among students while discouraging cheating. Despite the harder effort required along the course, this method would also increase comprehension and related horizontal engineering skills by increasing motivation and valorizing each student's work thanks to the “IKEA Effect.” Students’ feedback is reported.