Board 39: Student Opinions on Example Problem 'Solution Walkthroughs' for Civil Engineering Topics
- Conference
- Location
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Portland, Oregon
- Publication Date
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June 23, 2024
- Start Date
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June 23, 2024
- End Date
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July 12, 2024
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)
- Permanent URL
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https://strategy.asee.org/46975
Paper Authors
Joel Lanning
University of California, Irvine
orcid.org/0000-0003-0783-6946
Dr. Joel Lanning, an Associate Professor of Teaching at the University of California, Irvine, specializes in seismic design for civil structures, including bridges and buildings. His research revolves around advancing tools and techniques for improving the cyclic resilience of structural components. Dr. Lanning is passionate about teaching and is dedicated to developing strategies and tools for effective learning. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the creation of strong learning communities and the use of active learning methods to engage and challenge his students.
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a nationwide survey conducted across several universities, specifically examining student perceptions and opinions regarding an innovative problem solution presentation style called a “solution walkthrough.” The walkthrough format offers features like a game plan, initially concealed answers and detailed explanations at each step, and insightful solution summaries. This can be summarized as providing significant contextual information and explanation in addition to the components of traditional engineering solutions. The goal is to provide a better student experience with solutions and increase student engagement, presumably, improving learning. Also, better engagement with contextually rich material could help reduce the “plug-and-chug” learning strategy. Overall, 91% of respondents found the walkthroughs "very helpful" or “helpful.” The detailed written explanations at each step were rated as the most beneficial aspect, with 59% rating them "very helpful." Surprisingly, 53% of respondents preferred walkthroughs over video solutions, but noted that walkthroughs would also be a desired supplement to video solutions. Results also indicated that instructors building their own walkthroughs should emphasize the detailed step-by-step explanations rather than initially concealing calculation results. Overall, the findings warrant instructor consideration of walkthroughs as part of a diverse set of learning resources to be provided for civil engineering students.
Lanning, J. (2024, June), Board 39: Student Opinions on Example Problem 'Solution Walkthroughs' for Civil Engineering Topics Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://strategy.asee.org/46975
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