Frederik Voetmann Christiansen

Getting it right: conceptual development from student to experienced engineer

In an empirical study, the use of knowledge by two groups of students and a group of professional engineers’ use of knowledge when solving complex problems was investigated. The applied method was adopted from similar investigations within the field of medicine. Qualitative analysis of problem descriptions, solutions and interviews show interesting differences between novice, intermediate and expert groups. Results resembling those found in medicine are reported.

Lesson study as a format for collaborative instructional change

In our experience, most of the teaching at university level in Denmark is planned and carried out by individuals rather than a group of teachers, and teaching is in some ways a relatively private affair, particularly for junior staff members. “Lesson studies” is a format for instructional change based on a conception of teaching as a collaborative enterprise. In this article, we describe the method, report the outcome of a pilot lesson study cycle, and discuss the merits and potential of the method for instructional and educational change.