Students’ perception of the impact of a Geotechnical Engineering field activity on their competences development

Abstract

The need to develop several students’ competencies is one of the leading challenges for Engineering instructors in undergraduate courses. It has been quite exhausting in many cases, mainly due to the lack of professors’ expertise in engineering education. Case studies may provide examples and help develop professors’ ability to design effective learning experiences. In this context, this paper presents a case study of implementing an in-class/ ex-class activity conducted in the Soil Mechanics-I course at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Additionally, it aims to discuss students’ perception regarding development of the proposed activity and competences. The activity comprised three phases: selection of Geotechnical Engineering problems on university campus, documentation and analysis of each situation, and presentation of solutions considering technical, environmental, and social aspects. Students’ perceptions were assessed using an anonymous online survey (18 Likert and open-ended questions), divided into three categories: general impressions, competencies development, and open statements. General impressions and competencies development were mostly positive, with deadlines reported as the most challenging aspect. Open questions responses provided positive feedback, emphasizing the main developed competencies, according to students’ perspective (e.g. leadership, interpersonal relationship, and analytical view of the problem). The need of dealing with real problems and work in groups appears to be a successful approach for teaching Geotechnical Engineering courses and developing competences in Engineering undergraduate courses. This case study can support innovation in teaching any engineering course and help students face future professional challenges.