The structural playground, a new environment where to enjoy learning structural engineering

Maria E.M. Garlock, Ignacio Payá-Zaforteza

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the last years we have seen how the traditional teacher-centered model of education is being replaced by a learner-centered model where both the student and the instructor share prominence. This shift has required the implementation of new teaching methodologies but, very often, has not been accompanied by changes in the physical space where the learning process takes place. In this paper, the authors introduce an experimental classroom designed to teach several structural engineering courses at Princeton University. The classroom is named "The Structural Playground" because it was conceived as a nice and playful environment inspired by the playgrounds and classrooms of nurseries schools and kindergartens. The paper describes the "Structural Playground" and summarizes the main lessons learned with it.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIABSE Conference, Geneva 2015
Subtitle of host publicationStructural Engineering: Providing Solutions to Global Challenges - Report
PublisherInternational Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
Pages336-339
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9783857481406
StatePublished - 2015
EventIABSE Conference, Geneva 2015: Structural Engineering: Providing Solutions to Global Challenges - Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: Sep 23 2015Sep 25 2015

Publication series

NameIABSE Conference, Geneva 2015: Structural Engineering: Providing Solutions to Global Challenges - Report

Other

OtherIABSE Conference, Geneva 2015: Structural Engineering: Providing Solutions to Global Challenges
Country/TerritorySwitzerland
CityGeneva
Period9/23/159/25/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Building and Construction
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

Keywords

  • Active learning
  • Education
  • Inspiration
  • Kindergarten
  • Playground

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