Problem-based Approach to a Civil Engineering Education

Problem-based learning (PBL) is seen as a way of developing a rounded engineer, one who excels not only in technical accomplishments, but also in communication, teamwork, leadership, innovation and initiative. PBL develops all these skills through a process of problem solving in a resource-rich environment explored by teams of students. This paper shows how a PBL approach can be applied in the development of a new civil engineering course. It does this on a broad scale (looking at the sequence of subjects required in the degree), and on a smaller scale, to show how individual subjects could be implemented.     

On-the-job Training for Engineers Using Hypertext

There is a pressing need for more efficient methods of delivering updated engineering information, especially in the workplace. Hypertext offers the author the ability to structure information in ways which are more flexible than conventional print media. The intention of presenting training material using hypertext is to develop an explorative attitude in the reader. The reader is encouraged to follow his/her own path through the material, with the option of following some topics to a greater depth than would normally be expected. Hypertext also provides a tightly integrated package of information, guidance, and often also the ability to execute programs or procedures described in the document. It can also provide concise support for experts as well as assistance—in the same document. This paper (i) outlines the concepts and facilities in typical hypertext implementations, (ii) describes the reactions that have been obtained in the use of an on-line code of practice (Australian Rainfall and Runoff), and (iii) offers some guidelines for structuring engineering documents for hypertext.     

Experiences of Two Problem-oriented Courses in Civil Engineering

Current engineering courses are not structured to develop real problem-solving skills in their students. They rely on a bottom-up approach to learning, where the first three years is spend mostly on theory, with almost no practice at problem definition. Instead, the students spend most of their time solving carefully designed exercises. Real-world problems are not as neatly packaged as these exercises, and, as a consequence, graduate engineers often lack the problem-definition and problem-recognition skills that are essential if the theory they have learned is to be useful to them. On the contrary, a problem-oriented course requires the students to develop those problem recognition skills. It also is intended to develop student-directed learning, and group and communication skills. A problem-oriented approach was used in 1991 in two second-year courses in civil engineering—surveying and computing. The courses were well received by the students, and the average exam result for surveying showed a noticeable improvement, while the average exam result for computing showed a marginal improvement. (There were, however, other encouraging signs in the computing course.) The author believes that the difference in response between the two subjects is due to the difference between working in groups and working individually, and a course change for the computing subject for 1992 is proposed.     

Student Reactions to a Problem-based,Fourth-year Computing Elective in Civil Engineering

Following a significant course review in civil engineering at Monash University, a fourth-year computing elective was introduced in 1995. The author developed the subject as a project-based one, the aim being to allow students to pursue their own computing interests. This paper describes how the subject was run, and documented the student responses. The subject is a good example of student-directed learning, and the enthusiasm and energy which flow from students having ownership of their learning. It also shows how a subject can use a wide range of learning resources, including the Internet, to provide positive outcomes for the department as well as the students. Improvements for the future are included.