Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Research in Education, Teaching and Learning
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Campus as a Living Lab: How Campus Projects Motivate Students and Strengthen Community Connections
Gulfem Ipek Yucelen
ABSTRACT:
This study explores how in-campus community projects can enhance engineering students’ motvation and sense of belonging. Conducted in Spring 2019 in the Materials Selection course at the University of South Florida (USF) in the Mechanical Engineering Department, the study aimed to show how campus environments can serve as platforms for hands-on projects that benefit both students and university employees. As part of the course, students worked in groups to solve real-world material failure problems faced by USF employees, applying engineering knowledge to improve campus func9ons. For example, one group offered an improved material for bus te rods to address recurring failures and enhance safety, directly benefitng campus transportation services.
A survey of 11 students revealed that these projects not only helped students feel motvated to pursue their engineering degrees but also gave them a sense of making a positive difference in others’ lives. Students appreciated the opportunity to apply classroom concepts to practical challenges and saw their contribu9ons as meaningful in improving the daily tasks of campus employees. This study highlights how in-campus projects can create a supportive learning environment, foster stronger connections within the university community, and inspire students by demonstrating the real-world impact of engineering.
keywords: Engineering education, Materials engineering, Community projects, Student motivation, Sense of belonging