Macrolevel and Microlevel Frameworks of Experiential Learning Theory in Construction Engineering Education
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 134, Issue 2
Abstract
The experiential learning theory is one of the best-known learning theories in education and has been explored and developed for decades through various studies in higher education. This learning method is expected to provide a significantly better learning environment for engineering subjects, such as construction techniques and design methods and alternatives, which may occur in most of the construction engineering disciplines. Nevertheless, the theory has hardly been used in construction engineering courses. In this study, the authors perform an in-depth review of the learning theory and present a case study, formwork design example, wherein the theory can be explicitly applied in construction engineering education. Research findings reveal students’ responses to the learning theory and lessons learned. Correlation analysis is conducted to explore how students’ performance in learning can be influenced by this learning theory.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
Atkinson, G., Jr., and Murrell, P. H. (1988). “Kolb’s experiential learning theory: A meta-model for career exploration.” J. Counseling and Development, 66(4), 374–376.
Bernold, L. E. (2003). “Learning oriented teaching and academic success.” ⟨http://www2.ncsu.edu/CIL/CARL/Education/Classes/LearnResearch.html⟩ (March 12, 2003).
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education, Macmillan, New York, 23–52.
Harrisberger, L., Heydinger, R., Seeley, J., and Talburtt, M. (1976). “Experiential learning in engineering education.” Project Rep, American Society for Engineering Education, Washington, D.C., 1–14.
Healey, M., and Jenkins, A. (2000). “Kolb’s experiential learning theory and its application in geography in higher education.” J. Geography, 99(5), 185–195.
Jernstedt, G. C. (1995). “Experiential components in academic courses.” Experiential learning in schools and higher education, R. J. Kraft, and J. Kielsmeier, eds., Kendall/Hunt, Dubuque, Iowa, 357–371.
Kolb, D. A. (1976). Learning style inventory, McBer, Boston, 5–12.
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1–38.
Kolb, D. A., Boyatzis, R. E., and Mainemelis, C. (1999). “Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions.” Dept. of Organizational Behavior, Weatherhead School of Management Case Western Reserve Univ., ⟨http://www.learningfromexperience.com/ELt_review_paper_rtf_.rtf⟩.
Lewin, K. (1951). Field theory in social science, Harper and Row, New York, 60–86.
McCarthy, B. (1987). “The 4MAT system. Teaching to learning styles with right/left mode techniques.” EXCEL, Barrington, Ill., 46–64.
Moore, R. C. (2003). “Administering experiential learning programs.” Elizabethtown College, ⟨http://users. etown.edu/m/moorerc/exlearning.html⟩ (March 23, 2003).
Piaget, J. (1970). Genetic epistemology, Columbia University Press, New York, 41–57.
Sharp, J. E., Harb, J. N., and Terry, R. E. (1997). “Combining Kolb learning styles and writing to learn in engineering classes.” J. Eng. Educ., 86(2), 93–101.
Siegel, S. (1956). Nonparametric statistics for the behavioral sciences, McGraw-Hill, New York, 202–213.
Stice, J. E. (1987). “Using Kolb’s learning cycle to improve student learning.” Eng. Educ., 77(5), 291–296.
Wankat, P. C., and Oreovicz, F. S. (1993). Teaching engineering, McGraw-Hill, New York, 282–305.
Winstead, M. T. (1999). “Experiential education and construction engineering internship: Learning how to learn.” Division of Construction Engineering and Management, School of Civil Engineering, Purdue Univ., West Lafayete, Ind.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 134 • Issue 2 • April 2008
Pages: 158 - 164
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 15, 2004
Accepted: Jun 9, 2006
Published online: Apr 1, 2008
Published in print: Apr 2008
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.