Teaching Hydraulic Design: Innovative Learning in the Classroom and the Workplace

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.