Enthusiasm in the Engineering Curriculum

What makes a teacher effective in the classroom? One measure taken in a sophomore level class at the University of Arkansas is to create enthusiasm about class topics. Civil engineering students at the University of Arkansas are required to enroll in CVEG 2113, Structural Materials. This class introduces young engineers to materials used in today’s construction industry. Nearly two-thirds of the class material focuses on concrete materials. Group and individual projects are performed by students not only to familiarize but increase interest in concrete materials. Some projects are required while others are encouraged. Projects include a high-strength concrete contest, concrete Frisbee contest and certification in concrete testing. The high-strength concrete contest introduces students to High Performance Concrete (HPC) by requiring groups of students to work together in designing, batching, and testing their own concrete mixtures. This contest creates a sense of competitiveness between groups when testing the concrete mixtures. The concrete Frisbee competition is an optional project offered to the students. The competition is intended to be a fun way for the students to demonstrate their knowledge regarding concrete materials. Frisbees are judged for originality in appearance, weight, and flying distance. In the spring 2005 semester, 18 out of the 27 students enrolled participated in this competition. Lastly, students are encouraged to become certified by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) in the testing of fresh concrete. This certification process allows the students to become familiar with testing procedures used for concrete materials in the construction industry. In addition, it provides summer internship opportunities. An overwhelming majority, 24 of the 27 students, participated in this certification process. These projects have encouraged some students to fabricate concrete countertops outside of class for a local homeless shelter. Students on several occasions have stated that upon leaving the class, they not only learned the class material, but had fun doing it.