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Integrating Research to the Undergraduate Geotechnical Engineering Classroom

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Conference

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Atlanta, Georgia

Publication Date

June 23, 2013

Start Date

June 23, 2013

End Date

June 26, 2013

ISSN

2153-5965

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Tagged Topic

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Page Count

9

Page Numbers

23.780.1 - 23.780.9

DOI

10.18260/1-2--19794

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/19794

Download Count

400

Paper Authors

biography

James L. Hanson California Polytechnic State University

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Dr. James L. Hanson is a professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department.

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Abstract

Integrating Research to the Undergraduate Geotechnical Engineering ClassroomAn investigation was conducted to actively incorporate research activities into anintroductory geotechnical engineering laboratory course. Students developed researchprograms of varying levels of sophistication as part of the laboratory course. Hands-ontesting was emphasized and students were required to develop their own testing programsfor demonstration of soil mechanics principles. Field experiments were encouraged andundertaken by some of the students. Laboratory experimental investigations andsummaries of geotechnical construction methods were also undertaken by some of thestudents. The presentations of the research activities, test programs, and experimentalresults were completed in various formats including oral presentations to the class, posterpresentations, and production of films. Separate activities have been conducted toincorporate research presentations by undergraduate and graduate research assistants to ageotechnical engineering laboratory course and to include tours of advanced laboratoriesand field test sites as part of the course. These combined learning exercises are part of abroad investigation related to incorporation of unconventional learning styles to ageotechnical engineering laboratory course. Students have generally enjoyed theexperiences and specific pedagogical benefits have been realized. An overview of theteaching methodology and assessment of student performance is described in the paper.

Hanson, J. L. (2013, June), Integrating Research to the Undergraduate Geotechnical Engineering Classroom Paper presented at 2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Atlanta, Georgia. 10.18260/1-2--19794

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