How do you enhance your structural engineering teaching with real-world examples?

1 Choose relevant and diverse examples

The first tip is to choose real-world examples that are relevant and diverse. Relevance means that the examples should match the learning objectives and the level of your students. For example, if you are teaching about structural analysis, you can use examples of bridges, buildings, or towers that illustrate the concepts of forces, moments, stresses, and strains. Diverse means that the examples should cover different types of structures, materials, and contexts. For example, you can use examples of historical structures, modern structures, and futuristic structures, or examples of structures in different climates, cultures, and environments. This way, you can expose your students to the variety and complexity of structural engineering problems.

2 Use multimedia and interactive tools

The second tip is to use multimedia and interactive tools to present and explore the real-world examples. Multimedia tools can help you visualize the structures and their behavior, such as photos, videos, animations, or simulations. For example, you can show your students how a structure responds to different loads, vibrations, or natural hazards using multimedia tools. Interactive tools can help you involve your students in the learning process, such as quizzes, games, or apps. For example, you can ask your students to design, test, or optimize a structure using interactive tools.

3 Connect theory and practice

The third tip is to connect theory and practice using the real-world examples. Theory is the foundation of structural engineering, but practice is the application of theory to real situations. You want to show your students how the theory they learn can help them solve practical problems and how the practice they encounter can challenge or enrich their theoretical understanding. For example, you can use the real-world examples to demonstrate how to apply the principles, methods, and tools of structural engineering, or how to deal with the constraints, uncertainties, and trade-offs of real projects.

4 Encourage critical thinking and creativity

The fourth tip is to encourage critical thinking and creativity using the real-world examples. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information and arguments. Creativity is the ability to generate, develop, and communicate original and innovative ideas. You want to foster these skills in your students by using the real-world examples as prompts for discussion, reflection, and problem-solving. For example, you can use the real-world examples to ask your students to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a structure, to compare and contrast different solutions, or to propose alternative or improved designs.

5 Invite guest speakers and field trips

The fifth tip is to invite guest speakers and field trips to complement your teaching with real-world examples. Guest speakers are experts or practitioners who can share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on structural engineering topics. Field trips are visits to real sites or facilities where structural engineering is applied or studied. You want to enrich your teaching with these opportunities by inviting guest speakers who can relate to your curriculum and by organizing field trips that can illustrate your lessons. For example, you can invite a guest speaker who can talk about the design and construction of a landmark structure or a field trip to a structural engineering laboratory or a construction site.

6 Assess learning outcomes

The sixth tip is to assess the learning outcomes of your teaching with real-world examples. Assessment is the process of measuring and evaluating the achievement of your students. You want to align your assessment with your teaching objectives and methods, and use the real-world examples as evidence of learning. For example, you can use the real-world examples as part of your formative or summative assessment, such as quizzes, assignments, projects, or exams. You can also use the real-world examples as feedback for your teaching, such as surveys, interviews, or portfolios.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?