Dr. Vale’s primary research focus is on Engineering Education and Pedagogy. She has engaged in multiple projects in this area, including - The development of a tool to assist instructors in building assessments that promote problem analysis skills - Capstone experiences and shared values ...
Dr. Vale’s primary research focus is on Engineering Education and Pedagogy. She has engaged in multiple projects in this area, including - The development of a tool to assist instructors in building assessments that promote problem analysis skills - Capstone experiences and shared values and competencies across disciplines - Improving engagement in large classes through the use of backchannel chat technology - Use of blended learning tools to improve accessibility for long-distance students in traditionally delivered courses - Improving metacognition and teaching threshold concepts in early analysis heavy core courses
Vale’s current research aims to improve the design and delivery of engineering courses and assessments and to help students achieve desired program outcomes. Vale's research could have far-ranging benefits; by helping educators to better understand how to instill desired attributes in engineering students, those students will be better positioned to serve society in their capacity as professional engineers.
Vale received her MaSc and PhD in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Waterloo in 2004 and 2010 respectively. She joined the University of Guelph in 2012 and has taught numerous engineering courses ranging from the first year to graduate courses and including topics such as linear algebra, electric circuits, control theory and design, and systems theory.