Flipped classroom – a solution to teach the unloved iron carbon phase diagram in first year engineering during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

[EN] The iron carbon phase diagram ICPD may simply be described as alloying maps of steels and cast iron in material science. However, the required thermodynamic background knowledge should be high level and understanding of the cooling procedure of ferrous melts as well as microstructure of steels is challenging. Common teaching material presents results, but not how to get there and leaves frustrated first year engineering students behind – especially during the online-semester of the Covid-19 pandemic. The iron carbon phase diagram is required in advanced courses, but seldom handled by students. Applying the “flipped classroom” teaching method as scenario in a blended and fully online learning environment is shown to be a successful method to let the students study how to read and apply the ICPD on their own and then take the time to discuss their questions and do extended hands-on exercises in class. Although summative assessment did not show significant improvement, the learning outcome and problem solving skills related to the iron carbon phase diagram are rated beneficial.