Learning Applications in the Architectural Engineering Educational Setting

Abstract

Reception and processing of information is essential to learning. How the information is presented is a critical element in student comprehension. In most engineering institutions, theory and fundamental concepts are taught with passive lectures and “recipe” laboratories. A balance between engineering science and engineering practice must be provided to prepare students for the real world. A relationship, described in this paper, is developed between the academic community and the design and construction industries to help bridge the gap between fundamental engineering principles and practical installation experience. Building this alliance helps to provide an additional element of proficiency essential to architectural engineering students’ practical understanding of systems in the built environment. A series of workshops consisting of demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on activities is developed and conducted, bringing professionals from 13 companies, two universities, and an apprenticeship program together with more than 150 students. Background information regarding different learning styles supplemented with student learning surveys and analysis of the results will be presented. Based on the results, a description to implement key learning concepts into classrooms and workshops will be provided.