Teaching Hydraulic Design: Innovative Learning in the Classroom and the Workplace
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 3
Abstract
Education provides the foundation for a future generation to advance the field of hydraulic engineering. This paper discussed lessons learned and techniques for educating students and new civil engineers in the field of hydraulic engineering from both academic and industry perspectives. Instances from the last 5 years were presented in which applied hydraulic engineering and research were used for education, in the classroom (lectures, experiments, and projects) and in industry (analyses, studies, design, and construction). This paper highlighted several methods that teach hydraulic design via anticipatory learning, collaborative innovation, and real-world connectivity between the classroom, workplace, and hydraulic infrastructure systems. Additionally, this paper discussed observed challenges facing the current generation of young engineers in ever-evolving classrooms and workplaces. The goals of the paper were to foster discussion regarding innovative teaching activities that deepen understanding and application, foster creativity, and strengthen the bridge between academia and industry such that education is viewed as a mutually beneficial, ongoing process.
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Data Availability Statement
No data, models, or code were generated or used during the study. However, additional information may be requested regarding the various in-class activities to facilitate implementation by course instructors.
Acknowledgments
The authors express sincere thanks to several of our teachers and mentors. B. M. Crookston thanks his engineering hydraulics professor, Dr. Michael Johnson, for his enthusiasm, passion, high expectations, engaging teaching style, and for the sense of community and belonging he created in the classroom. V. B. Smith thanks the College of Engineering for funding the development of modules using the Augmented Reality Sandbox. D. B. Campbell sincerely thanks “the whole of the civil engineering community for, more often than I considered possible, exceeding my expectations and, thereby, energizing my career decade after decade.”
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 3 • March 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 17, 2019
Accepted: Sep 6, 2019
Published online: Jan 13, 2020
Published in print: Mar 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Jun 13, 2020
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