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Teaching Biomechanics in Vietnam

THE METHODS AND CHALLENGES OF INCORPORATING WESTERN EDUCATION IN THE

FAR EAST

B. Rhett RigbyMentor: Dr. Benjamin Kelley

Scholar’s Day 2009

Funded by a grant from the Vietnam Education Foundation

The Country:Việt Nam One half the size of Texas Three times the population of Texas

1965-1975: Vietnam War 1975-1994: Trade embargo 1995: Clinton reestablishes diplomatic ties 2001: Bush signs Bilateral Trade Agreement 2009: Baylor teaches engineering in Hà Nội!

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The Location: Hà Nội, Việt Nam

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The Partner:Hanoi Univ. of Technology Hanoi University of Technology

– Đại Học Bách Khoa Hà Nội Established 1956 42,000 students 1,700 faculty 14 faculties 7 institutes 16 research centers

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The Travels: Hà Nội, Việt Nam On-site, 2 weeks, Feb-March 2009

– 4 lectures with Dr. Kelly present– 2 lectures via Elluminate

From Baylor, 11 weeks– 22 lectures

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The Course:Engineering Biomechanics

In English (American style) February and May at HUT (8:00-10:00 am) March and April from Baylor (7:00-9:00 pm) Built around a design project

– Design report and presentation– Orthopedic “bone plate”

Mid-term exam and Final exam6

The Media Coverage:Vietnam News, Feb. 09

The Book:Custom for this Course Compiled from internet sources

– 40 topics

– Title page, Powerpoint slides, readings in each chapter

Organized by session/chapter/class day

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The Content:Course Syllabus Included in book While in Ha Noi (February)

– Design concepts and technical content– Anatomy and technical content

While at Baylor (March & April)– Technical content and technical content (same)

While in Ha Noi (May)– Muscle and other topics– Design presentations9

The Software:Elluminate Live Real time online learning & collaboration Employs a web cam Fast audio Low bandwidth Baylor supports Can record Import PowerPoint slides

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The Impressions:Student Observations Vietnamese students are prepared Understand English

– Hesitant to speak in formal classroom

– Accommodating

Enthusiastic Anxious to participate Love America

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The Observations:Lessons Learned Language less a barrier Different expectations

– Class schedule– Attending class– Asking questions– HW assignments

Email difficulties HUT computers

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Questions?