Developing Knowledge Landscapes through Project-Based Learning
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 132, Issue 2
Abstract
The traditional civil engineering-based approach to construction engineering and management education focuses significant attention on core subjects such as scheduling, estimating, and contracts. This paper introduces an alternative approach to this education based on the concepts of project-based learning. Through the introduction of courses developed by the writers, the paper provides a foundation for changing current education approaches from a lecture-based format to a project-based format. In this format, students are challenged with open-ended problems requiring greater application of multiple engineering concepts as well as requiring interaction with outside experts from within the construction industry and related professions. An outline for a project-based learning course is presented with experiences and lessons learned from four implementations of the course. Student responses are presented to indicate the potential benefits of such an approach. This finding is further supported by the introduction of the Knowledge Landscape concept for construction education that emphasizes greater use of context, scope, and multiple intelligences in construction engineering education.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 132 • Issue 2 • April 2006
Pages: 118 - 124
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 25, 2003
Accepted: Jun 28, 2005
Published online: Apr 1, 2006
Published in print: Apr 2006
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