Education-teaching teachers to teach-thermodynamics

Abstract

Education is the job of Educators. In our case we must make sure that the laws of Nature are well discussed in a correct and precise fashion. The First Law of Thermodynamics deals with Energy. This is rather simple to understand and apply in solving engineering problems. However, The Second Law of Thermodynamics deals with the realities of nature; that is what is possible and what is not possible to occur in nature. Exergy is the term used to explain the taxation of Nature since available energy cannot be utilized below the temperature of the environment. This taxation leads to environmental impact and unsustainability of current lifestyle. Every moment we turn on the light switch or crank our cars, we accept the fact that we impact the environment. There is absolutely no way out of it. Teaching is the profession of most of us. Unfortunately nobody taught us how to teach. We were hired as a Professor because we had a doctoral degree and NOT because we knew how to teach. Thus we must start programs that will teach new Professors how to teach and become effective in their work. Thermodynamics education has been deteriorating over the last three to four decades. We must make sure that this stops so that the new generation sees and understands the intricacies of Thermodynamics, its importance in all other thermal science courses and learn how to effectively use it. It is not too difficult to see how mistakes in literature, presentations and publications are made. It is our job to stop this and reinvigorate correct and precise teaching, use and application of Thermodynamics.