IEEE Digital Signal Processing Education Workshop, Fall 2000
Title: Signal Processing Studio
Authors: John R. Buck and N. A. Pendergrass

At the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, we teach required Junior linear systems and elective Senior signal processing courses in a studio format. This approach tightly couples short lecture segments with student exercises which include computer laboratory problems in Matlab[TM] as well as paper and pencil analytic problems. The in-class exercises focus on issues similar to those in upcoming homework and computer project assignments. Interleaving lecture segments with problem sessions allows students to recognize immediately what they do not understand so they learn the material more quickly and effectively. Confusion can be addressed in the classroom when faculty and peer resources are at hand. The in-class exercises incorporate active and collaborative learning pedagogy. The active learning aspect requires that students take responsibility as full participants in their education. This establishes a foundation for lifelong learning. The collaborative aspect requires students to develop teamwork skills that extend outside of the classroom environment, and beyond the current semester. They become responsible for their peers' learning as well as their own.

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