Identification of Long Term Learning Outcomes and Opportunities for Improvement from an Interdisciplinary Course in Architecture, Engineering and Construction
Abstract
This longitudinal study reports on lessons learned from interdisciplinary courses between architecture and construction science with a mix of graduate and undergraduate students taught at Texas A&M University at College Station, comparing lessons learned from past research in interdisciplinary studies in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) curriculum with former student’s perception 11-16 years after graduation.
Previous research on learning outcomes from interdisciplinary AEC curriculum identify teamwork, mutual respect for other disciplines, real world understanding, collaboration, coordination, time management as the most important skills learned. This study analyzes the impact of the above said outcomes and learning on the former students over the years of experience in the industry.
For the purpose of this study 19 survey responses were collected from former students who are currently a part of the industry, from fall semester 1999 and fall semester 2003. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data reveals that former students still highly value the skills of working in a team, the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary understanding. They also included additional learning outcomes such as valuing the opinion of others and integrating as a team early on in the project. Although the number of responses was statistically limited, they nevertheless suggest there is value to such interdisciplinary courses in the AEC curriculum for those who practice afterward in the building industry, and that this topic warrants further study.
Citation
Kalyanaraman, Nivedita (2015). Identification of Long Term Learning Outcomes and Opportunities for Improvement from an Interdisciplinary Course in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. Master's thesis, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /155549.