This study investigates the integration of hand-made physical models into structural engineering education, with a particular focus on the qualitative analysis of statically indeterminate beams and frames. Conducted as part of a third-year undergraduate module, the research highlights how these models significantly enhance students’ understanding of structural behaviors, including deflection and internal force distribution, leading to improved accuracy in drawing axial force, shear force, and bending moment diagrams. By bridging theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on engagement, the models fostered deeper conceptual clarity and delivered measurable improvements, as evidenced by substantial gains in the postcourse assessment. Student feedback, collected through surveys and critical incident questionnaires, underscored the widespread appreciation for the tactile and interactive nature of model-based learning, which encouraged logical reasoning, teamwork, and academic growth. Despite challenges such as initial conceptual difficulties, the findings advocate for the use of physical models in engineering curricula to enhance comprehension, engagement, and preparedness for professional practice.
Gurkalo et al. (Wed,) studied this question.