Section 2.6 Mindset: Engineering as a language, not as a puzzle

In the next chapter of this book, we are going to introduce units, dimensions, and other important considerations. Later we will learn how to use both Microsoft Excel and MATLAB to perform data analysis and write programs. When you are first learning how to write programs and other engineering concepts, it is most effective to think of it as learning a new language, not learning how to solve a puzzle. I have seen students going online and picking and choosing bits of code, changing variables, and then when it “works”, they save it and submit it as their completed homework. Students might also figure out a “process” for solving a particular type of problem, only to find out that (usually when they get to the test) they don’t really understand the underlying concepts. This is not the correct way to think about solving engineering practice problems, math homework, or computer programming.

If these students were suddenly required to repeat the homework from scratch, it is unlikely that they would be adequately prepared from the homework. It is important to understand the concept so that you can apply it to any new problem that you haven’t seen before.

One of the dangers I would like to alert you to is that your professor has very strong mental muscles and is therefore fluent in Engineering as a language. When you go to class or ask your professor for help, they will likely be able to answer you. When you think about it the amount of knowledge your professors have is amazing huh?

Your professor (or TA) is so good they will make it look easy, but that doesn’t mean it actually is easy. The students are going to have a hard time if they simply watch their professor solve the problem without trying it themselves. This would be like watching someone workout and then thinking by watching them a few time a week you’d be ready to lift the same amount as them. Watching someone workout is a great way to learn proper technique just like paying attention in class to see how your professor solves problems will teach you the process to solve. However, your brain muscles require practice and repetition just like your arm muscles.

Your professor can solve these problems so easily because they have been solving them for years and have lots of practice. Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask questions because it’s not actually as easy as it may look and make sure to practice on your own.