Project-based learning in Geotechnics: cooperative versus collaborative teamwork |
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| Authors: | Margarida Pinho-Lopes Joaquim Macedo |
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| Institution: | 1. Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK;2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810–193, Portugal;3. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810–193, Portugal;4. RISCO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810–193, Portugal |
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| Abstract: | Since 2007/2008 project-based learning models have been used to deliver two fundamental courses on Geotechnics in University of Aveiro, Portugal. These models have evolved and have encompassed either cooperative or collaborative teamwork. Using data collected in five editions of each course (Soil Mechanics I and Soil Mechanics II), the different characteristics of the models using cooperative or collaborative teamwork are pointed out and analysed, namely in terms of the students’ perceptions. The data collected include informal feedback from students, monitoring of their marks and academic performance, and answers to two sets of questionnaires: developed for these courses, and institutional. The data indicate students have good opinion of the project-based learning model, though collaborative teamwork is the best rated. The overall efficacy of the models was analysed (sum of their effectiveness, efficiency and attractiveness). The collaborative model was found more adequate. |
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| Keywords: | project-based learning Geotechnics cooperative collaborative group work |
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