Integrating a multi-university design competition into a mechanical engineering design curriculum using modern design pedagogy

Formula Student is a multi-university design competition that seeks to develop student creativity and engineering skills through the design, manufacture, and financing of a race car. However, the benefits are difficult to realise in practice. Cardiff University has been involved with the activity since 2004 and in 2009 the opportunity was taken to reflect upon experience and to look to improve the delivery through the use of modern design pedagogy. Justifications for the contextual and metacognitive features of the approach are provided. Stakeholder expectations are explored. The approach described extends student learning and experience by: providing opportunity to direct their own learning; creating a community of practice; incorporating synergistic assessment; and providing for evaluation in a purposeful demonstration of knowledge.