Kolb's experiential learning theory and Belhot's learning cycle guiding the use of computer simulation in engineering education: A pedagogical proposal to shift toward an experiential pedagogy

ABSTRACT This work aims to contribute to a rethinking of the computer simulation used in the high education in Engineering. In order to design a set of simulation laboratory activities, a pedagogical proposal is presented on basis of Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Belhot's Learning Cycle. The chosen content to be taught is the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) technique that is adapted and implemented in RoboMind software. The pedagogical approach presented in this paper can act as a reference point for debates in Engineering Education area, considering the use of the Kolb's theory as a model for development of teaching‐learning process and computer simulations as a didactic tool. Finally, some recommendations are offered in order to help future works, as well as to consolidate the implementation of this pedagogical proposal in real case studies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ. 24:79–88, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae ; DOI 10.1002/cae.21674