Research article    |    Open Access
International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications 2014, Vol. 5(1) 64-70

A Learning by Doing Approach in Teaching the Fundamentals of the Structural Design of Trusses

Gokhan YAZICI, Edip SECKIN

pp. 64 - 70

Publish Date: January 31, 2014  |   Single/Total View: 0/0   |   Single/Total Download: 0/0


Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study, conducted with second year students of civil engineering enrolled in the course of Engineering Mechanics at the Civil Engineering Department of Istanbul Kultur University, to improve the understanding of fundamental concepts related to the structural design of trusses. Students were asked to build truss systems from Balsa wood loaded with small weights, analize the truss member forces and indicate whether the members are under tension or compression. At the final stage of the workshop, a group discussion was held on the factors effecting the design of trusses with references to the structural models prepared by the students. In addition to supplementing the theoretical concepts related to the analysis and design of truss systems, preparation of the physical models and experimentation with the educational analysis software have also increased the motivation of the students towards the course of Engineering Mechanics.

Keywords: Civil Engineering Education, Trusses, Learning by Doing


How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
YAZICI, G., & SECKIN, E. (2014). A Learning by Doing Approach in Teaching the Fundamentals of the Structural Design of Trusses. International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications, 5(1), 64-70.

Harvard
YAZICI, G. and SECKIN, E. (2014). A Learning by Doing Approach in Teaching the Fundamentals of the Structural Design of Trusses. International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications, 5(1), pp. 64-70.

Chicago 16th edition
YAZICI, Gokhan and Edip SECKIN (2014). "A Learning by Doing Approach in Teaching the Fundamentals of the Structural Design of Trusses". International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications 5 (1):64-70.