Active Learning to Enhance the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Sector

Active learning methods are integrated across the honors-level Bachelor of Science in Building Information Modelling (BIM/Digital Construction) at Technological University Dublin. Now in its fifth year of operation, the course provides mature students working (or aiming to work) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Sector across Ireland with a wide range of well-integrated and intellectually engaging hands-on learning opportunities. The Irish government financially supports this course because the Irish AEC sector needs state-of-the-art knowledge and skills to help modernize construction methods for this small island nation. The Irish government's support underscores the significance of the course in addressing the country’s well-being. Hands-on aspects of the BIM curriculum include: researching to learn about digitalprinciples and standards; modeling using Revit, ArchiCAD, MagiCAD, and the like; combining models from various engineering and design fields and then running clash detections and developing basic cost estimates, construction plans, and animations of project phasing/sequencing using Navisworks; applying principles at work via work-based learning in each student’s workplace (or in an optional, simulated work environment); designing and conducting a research thesis project that involves reviewing published literature and case studies and sometimes documenting one’s own case of integrating action-research methods; building web-based portfolios to showcase one’s learning; authoring multiplereflective essays to develop one’s skills in reflective practice; and applying agile team management strategies to organizing a team’s work and managing a team’s projects. We hope the design and reporting of this course will inspire others seeking to teach BIM, support mature students and working professionals, and/or integrate active learning methods in the classesand courses they teach.