An Active Learning Classroom in Construction Management Education: Student Perceptions of Engagement and Learning

ABSTRACT

Learning spaces that engage students actively are becoming more common. Active learning spaces are designed to facilitate collaboration between students as they engage in problem solving, communication, and teamwork. Recently, Auburn University installed an active learning space in the construction management teaching facility which provided a dedicated active learning space for construction education. During the 2018–19 academic year, students were surveyed to better understand their perspectives on the learning environment after having a class in the space. The goals of this exploratory study focused on student experiences within the active learning environment including perceived impact on learning and engagement within construction education. Sixty-eight percent of the students surveyed believed their learning and 82% believed their engagement with the material was enhanced by the space, the teaching tactics, and shared engagement. Results indicated that while the majority of students expressed positive experiences in areas of “group work and collaboration” and the “engaging and interactive” nature of the class, some construction students found the space distracting particularly when traditional lecture teaching was employed. Overall, the active construction management classroom can enhance the quality of students’ experience through appropriate course design and enriched dialogue, and a potential to positively improve the quality of construction education exists.

KEYWORDS:

• Construction education
• active learning
• student engagement
• classroom design
• pedagogy