An Implementation of Multi-Media Applications in Teaching Structural Design to Architectural Students

Authors: Wafa Labib

Abstract:

Teaching methods include lectures, workshops and tutorials for the presentation and discussion of ideas have become out of date; were developed outside the discipline of architecture from the college of engineering and do not satisfy the architectural students’ needs and causes them many difficulties in integrating structure into their design. In an attempt to improve structure teaching methods, this paper focused upon proposing a supportive teaching/learning tool using multi-media applications which seeks to better meet the architecture student’s needs and capabilities and improve the understanding and application of basic and intermediate structural engineering and technology principles. Before introducing the use of multi-media as a supportive teaching tool, a questionnaire was distributed to third year students of a structural design course who were selected as a sample to be surveyed forming a sample of 90 cases. The primary aim of the questionnaire was to identify the students’ learning style and to investigate whether the selected method of teaching could make the teaching and learning process more efficient. Students’ reaction on the use of this method was measured using three key elements indicating that this method is an appropriate teaching method for the nature of the students and the course as well.

Keywords: Teaching Method, Architecture, Learning style, Multi-Media.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1338626

References:

[1] PSU, 2012, “Architectural Department – Bachelor of Science in Architecture - Program Curriculum”, Prince Sultan University, KSA.
[2] Frances R, 2012 “Towards Improving the Teaching of Structural Design in Architecture Schools”, Architectural Department of the Hadassa Wizo Neri Bloomfield College of Design, Teacher Training
[3] Hyett P., 2000, “Architectural Students Must be Properly Equipped to Practice”, The Architectural Journal, 212.
[4] Vassigh S., 2005, “A Comprehensive Approach to Teaching Structures Using Multimedia”, University at Buffalo/SUNY, AIA Report on University Research.
[5] Fahmi. M. and Abdul Aziz A., 2012, “The Integration of Structural Knowledge in Studio Design Projects”, An Assessment Curriculum in: Architecture Course in SUST, Journal of Science and Technology,13, 1, 59-71.
[6] Burd A. & Buchanan E., 2004, “Teaching the Teachers: Teaching and Learning Online", Reference Services Review, 32, 4, 404 – 412.
[7] Tulbure C., 2012, ‘Learning Styles, Teaching Strategies and Academic Achievement in Higher Education: A Cross-Sectional Investigation”, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 33, 398 – 402.
[8] Mazur E.. 2009, “Farewell, Lecture? Science, Mazur Publication, 323, 50-51. http://mazur.harvard.edu/publications.php?function=display& rowid=635
[9] StyleSimelane S. and Mji A., 2014, “Impact of Technology-Engagement Teaching Strategy with the Aid of Clickers on Student’s Learning”, Social and Behavioral Sciences 136, 511 – 521.
[10] Ochshorn J. (1991), “Teaching Technology: What Do Architects Need to Know about Structures?”, ACS Technology Conferences: The City and Technology Los Angeles, Stoneham, MA: Butterworth
[11] Zhang L., and Sternberg R., 2005, ‘A Threefold model of Intellectual Styles”, Educational Psychology Review, 17, 1, 1–53.
[12] Chen N,; Kinshuk W., Chun W. and Liu C., 2011, “Effects of Matching Teaching Strategy to Thinking Style on Learner’s Quality of Reflection in an Online Learning Environment”, Computers & Education, 56, 1, 53–64.
[13] Sternberg R., 1994, “Allowing for thinking styles. Education Leadership”, 52, 3, 36–40.
[14] Felder M., 1996, “Matters of style”. ASEE, 6, 4, 18-24.
[15] Hadden C., 2005, “Making Connections: Instructional Strategies”. http://education.uregina.ca/iteachered/modules/preservice/module3.html
[16] Felder M. and Brent R., 2005, “Understanding Student Differences”, Journal of Engineering Education, 94, 1, 57-72.
[17] Boese T., 2011, “Comparison of Selected Teaching Strategies Incorporating Simulation and Student Outcomes”, Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 7, 81- 90.
[18] De Vaus, D. A. (2002) Surveys in Social Research, UCL Press Limited, London.
[19] Donovan P., 2005, “UB Architect Recognized by AIA for Teaching Method”, www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol36 /vol36n21/articles/Vassigh.
[20] Martini K., 1996, “Technologies for Teaching Design in Architecture and Engineering”, University of Virginia. http://www.arch.virginia.edu/~km6e/tti/.