Founded 1870 | Rolla, Missouri
Abner Chen, Ph.D.Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringMissouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri, [email protected]
Implementing Real-World Examples into the Main Framework of Design Courses
2013 annual Teaching and Learning Technology Conference
Capstone Design Course Assessments: An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics,
science, and engineering An ability to design a system, components, or process
to meet desired needs An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering
problems An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams An ability to communicate effectively
Why did I do this research?
Theory Practice
Objective
Civil Engineering
Structural EngineeringGeotechnical EngineeringEnvironmental EngineeringMaterials EngineeringTransportation EngineeringConstruction Engineering
Prerequisite requirements
Statics
Mechanics of
Materials
Structural Analysis
Structural Design
Learning objective
Statics
Mechanics of
Materials
Structural Analysis
Structural
Design
Why did I do this research?
http://www.oldfortchurch.com/news_detail.php?news_id=21
Traditional Teaching MethodDeductive
Proposed Teaching Method Inductive
1. Inquiry-based learning2. Problem-based learning
Comparisons of Teaching Methods
Deductive Teaching Method
Traditional Teaching Method
TheoryDesign formul
a
Example
Steel Column Design
TheoryDesign formul
a
Example
2
2π
L
EIPE
yF
F
cr F.F e
y
6580
2
2π
rKL
EFe
15' 15'
x
x
x x
y
y
yy
Bending about x-axisBending about y-axis
Anticipated Learning Outcome
Design
Project
Statics
Mechanics of
Materials
Structural
Analysis
Structural
Design
Inductive Teaching Method
Steel Column Design
Inductive Teaching Method Inquiry-based learning
Discussion – Column strength (Mechanics of Materials)
Material properties Cross-sectional area Column will bend when it fails
Buckling Theory Design Formula
2
2π
L
EIPE
Steel Column Design
Problem-based learning Real-world design example
Determine loads Load path Determine member force Design
Proposed Teaching Method
Real-World Example
Statics
Mechanics of
Materials
Structural Analysis
Structural Design
Team Work
Used Google document to share information and ideas
Students worked together to solve a real-world design problem
Results
Help students to:See the big pictureSee connection between theory and
practiceBecome an effective team player
See improvements in students’ performance
Summary
Applied inductive teaching method Inquiry-Based LearningProblem-Based Learning – Real world
examples Google Document – Think and share Teamwork
Contact Information: [email protected]
QUESTIONS?