Work in progress - incorporating a new learning model into the pre-freshmen accelerated curriculum in engineering (PACE)

The Center for Advanced Microwave Research Applications (CAMRA), a NASA-sponsored university research center (URC), has incorporated a new learning model into its 17-year pre-freshman, summer bridge enrichment program, pre-freshmen accelerated curriculum in engineering. Traditionally the program was designed to assist students with obtaining high scores on Morgan State University´s Placement Exam using rote learning methodology. This new learning model includes implementing a critical thinking course based on Bloom´s taxonomy. Critical thinking was taught formally and explicitly focusing on knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and then on evaluation. Critical thinking were embedded and integrated in the computer science course to test and measure transferability of the thinking skills. The new learning model is expected to improve students´ critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to solve open-ended problems. The skill sets obtained from the new model can be transferred to math, science and engineering courses