LEARNING SKILLS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DESIGN BY PROJECT METHOD

Master architecture students should learn the competences necessary for designing and calculating the construction project. In this area, the method of teaching the subject has been changed. Previously, we used to give traditional lectures, but now we have decided to switch to the participative method of project-based learning.

This innovation focuses on teaching basic competence in construction project design, including: project parts identification, development of the report of the project, plan design, development of the specification sheet, measurements of the foundations of the project, budget writing and development of the study on safety and health.

This project-based learning method is delivered in the following sequence:
(a) choice of project by each group of students,
(b) project planning,
(c) report design,
(d) facilities analytical design
(e) facilities computer design,
(f) comparison of analytical and computer design results and conclusions,
(g) plans design,
(h) development of the specification sheet,
(i) measurements and budget of the project,
(j) writing of the study on safety and health.

This method ensures that the dynamics of the learning process is as similar as possible to professional activity, and means that students develop the skills needed for the design of a construction project.

We have now found that assimilating new concepts and acquiring competence has proved to be superior to the previous traditional method of learning. At the same time, others sub-competences are also assimilated, including the capacity for teamwork and interdisciplinary communication. This is reflected in student surveys, which show an increase in students’ satisfaction levels. In addition, the average mark in this subject is significantly higher than the marks obtained from the previous method.