Findings from the implementation of project-based learning in civil engineering education

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong

^a Corresponding author: ceclkwan@polyu.edu.hk

Abstract

The primary objective of the implementation of teaching and learning methods is to ensure that students attain critical thinking and allroundedness with professional competence in civil engineering education. Students are tailored to develop abilities such as analytical, problemsolving and communication skills for solving real-life civil engineering problems. In particular, Design Project, which is one of the compulsory courses to be completed by final year degree students in Civil Engineering for the fulfillment of the degree requirements, is implemented through Project-based learning (PBL). The design project aims at enabling students to develop the first hand practical design experience before graduation. Students are required to apply their prior knowledge and engineering skills acquired in subjects of various disciplines of the civil engineering programme. Findings from the implementation of the PBL in this course are reported based on the views and feedbacks collected from the students. The issues related to the implementation of PBL such as student’s learning experience and student’s workload are also explored in the study.