A Classroom Routine in an Introduction to Structural Design Course that Builds the Connection Between Education and Professional Practice

This is an abstract for a presentation only (no full paper). The routine I developed is used in a junior-level Introduction to Structural Design course in a civil engineering program. The routine is to use physical models or model building in a classroom setting so the students see how it works and get a better feel for the concepts that will help them in professional practice. Let alone this routine helps students review previous work before class and engage in teamwork in a small group setting throughout the semester. My discipline is very rich in computer-aided design, and all students take a lower-division CAD course. Many of the concepts in my discipline are described in two-dimensional – a very appropriate way to understand the basic concepts. However, when they leave campus, the real world requires visualization in three dimensions. I try to achieve this in my class through i) the use of computer-aided visualization tools ii) model building by student groups at the beginning of most of my classes. The simple models that are built in class will outline how parts are connected, and how an assemblage of parts makes a system that is designed to be used as a building, etc. The students will gain valuable hands-on technical experience, as well as working in teams, and leadership skills through teamwork. These skills are essential for the students for their future careers.