Abstract:

The active learning is proved as a powerful tool for students of all ages. Several are the methodologies that proposes the implication of students in their own training. In the University, active learning is beginning to be more and more common, although most classes are still centred in the teacher instead of being centred in the student. Technical subjects in the University present especial difficulties for the implementation of methodologies of active learning.

In this paper, the authors present two experiences put into practice in the Academic Course 2017-18 in two subjects of Structures of the degree on Architecture. The processes described are part of a pilot experience of improving the teaching in the school of Architecture of the University of Sevilla. These subjects are among the most difficult of all because of the complex concepts that the students must acquire. The definition of dynamic loads and the behaviour of plane frames have been selected as the two concepts that should be worked in this pilot experience. The methodology applied was mainly conceptual workshops, but also cooperative learning and Problem Based Learning were applied. The students, firstly individual and secondly in groups, tackled two problems by themselves with the guidance of the teacher and the advantages of the cooperation among students. At the end, the progression of students was explored through questionnaires and showed by means of stair diagrams.

Keywords:

Architecture, structures, conceptual workshop, problem-based learning, cooperative learning.