Ambiguity as a key experience acceleration mechanism in a sophomore systems engineering course

This paper presents an innovative educational approach used in a sophomore systems engineering course, where LEGO Mindstorms robots are integrated to accelerate the understanding of complex systems engineering concepts. While hands-on learning tools like LEGO Mindstorms are often used in engineering education, our approach uniquely emphasizes the unpredictability and complexity inherent in real-world systems engineering. Rather than focusing solely on technology or project completion, we incorporate controlled disruptions during exercises, such as modifying project requirements, changing team compositions, or removing key components from the kits. These disruptions simulate dynamic environments, requiring students to adapt, manage resource limitations, and navigate evolving constraints. This approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to rapidly prototype, test, and observe the impacts of their engineering decisions in real time. This paper describes the instructional approach and focuses on how students responded to the learning activities as described in their reflective journals.