Mechanics of Materials/Physical Units and Standards/Learning Problems on Physical Units and Standards

2.4 Learning Problems on Physical Units and Standards

2.4.1 Invitation to Contribute

We welcome contributions, as there is not a set cap on the number of illustrative examples/problems we include, nor do we care if the examples come from learners or instructors. We just ask that the problems be thoughtful and relevant. Contributors should also be open to a shuffling order or categorization of shown examples/problems.

2.4.2 Learning Objectives and Philosophy

The hope is that these problems will become part of in-class discussions, small-group learning, projects, or personal study. For classes in which instructors give graded exams, we encourage instructors to create original problems for the students to solve independently. After an exam, the instructors could make the problems available for others to study and add to open-source sites like this Wikibook. This pattern of teaching, learning, and assessment limits ethical concerns/temptations, strengthens the validity of course outcomes, and decreases the anxiety of honest learners who feel they go into exams at a disadvantage to others planning to refer to available databases of solved problems or real-time tutoring services. For engineering students, it also discourages rote memorization and an "arms race" to create an increasing number of "solutions manuals" that inevitably become public. No person or system is flawless or perfect, especially given the stresses and constraints on instructors and learners. Nonetheless, this open-source Wikibook aims to enhance open and transparent learning.

2.4.3 Illustrative Examples/Problems

Content Forthcoming