Improving course comprehension through experiential learning

Kirsten A. Davis, R. Casey Cline

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

While lectures are the most common way to teach students, they are not necessarily the best way to convey some types of information. Consider the famous quote by Confucius: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." This paper discusses a hands-on experiential learning laboratory, which complements the lecture in a Construction Management (CM) materials and methods course. Many CM programs avoid hands-on experiences due to the vocational/technical stigma. However, experiential learning transforms construction concepts that are often abstract and out of context for many students in an exclusively lecture course into tangible objects and processes. The hands-on laboratory reinforces and supplements material covered in lecture and improves course comprehension by allowing students to learn through discovery. The laboratory aspect of the course also improves leadership, promotes teamwork, and increases student confidence. This paper discusses specific laboratory experiences used and their educational value, student feedback regarding the experiential labs, and lessons learned for CM programs interested in adding or expanding their hands-on learning experiences for students.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBuilding a Sustainable Future - Proceedings of the 2009 Construction Research Congress
Pages1409-1418
Number of pages10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Event2009 Construction Research Congress - Building a Sustainable Future - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: 5 Apr 20097 Apr 2009

Publication series

NameBuilding a Sustainable Future - Proceedings of the 2009 Construction Research Congress

Conference

Conference2009 Construction Research Congress - Building a Sustainable Future
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period5/04/097/04/09

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