Effects of a Spiral Curriculum with Application-Based Project and Lab Components on Motivation and Achievement of Engineering Students in an Urban University

Background: Engineering curricula often consist of separate courses that do not form a cohesive learning experience. Researchers revised an undergraduate computer engineering curriculum at an urban university, seeking to improve motivation and achievement in an important population that is traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. Contribution: The university serves a diverse student body with a high percentage of first-generation college students. Curriculum reform is important for improving student learning experiences and retaining students in STEM fields. This study provides evidence for benefits of such curriculum reform with this population. Research Questions: The purpose of the study was to determine if the revised curriculum improved student motivation and achievement, and to what extent students felt it prepared them for their future careers. Methodology: This was a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study, using both within- and between-subjects designs. Quantitative data collected were pre- and post-motivational inventories and grades. Qualitative data included interview data and open-ended survey responses. Findings: Analyses revealed that post-course motivation, when controlling for precourse motivation, was significantly higher for the experimental group in three motivation subscales and students in the experimental group had significantly higher grades in the course than those in the control group. Qualitative data showed participants felt the revised courses built off of each other and helped them learn skills they would need in their careers.