A "fractal" expander-compressor-supplier formative research method on array processing.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Educational Methods

Background:

• Traditional formative research models were extended to a double triangle for career programs and a funnel proposal for single courses.
• Array processing and ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) techniques were integrated into undergraduate Digital Signal Processing (DSP) courses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of incorporating array sensing into formative research within an undergraduate DSP course.
• To analyze the impact of different homework load distributions on student engagement and research participation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of eight years of data from two DSP course semesters with varying homework loads (homogeneous triangle vs. expander-compressor-supplier).
• Students selected between experimental applied analysis and formative research projects.
• Evaluation of cognitive load and research participation based on curriculum structure.

Main Results:

• The expander-compressor-supplier homework distribution positively influenced cognitive load and efficiency.
• Increased efficiency led to greater student participation in undergraduate research on array processing.
• A decrease in the number of formative applied projects was observed with the new distribution.

Conclusions:

• The adapted formative research model, particularly the expander-compressor-supplier distribution, enhances undergraduate research engagement in array processing and DSP.
• This pedagogical approach promotes deeper involvement in specialized research areas over the long term.